2026 Graduate Data Engineer, Customer Network Development

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we\’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need – and we\’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it\’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it\’s no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.

About The Role

The Customer Network Development (CND) function at National Grid plays a key role in connecting new and existing generation and demand customers to the energy network. From designing technical solutions and building connection offers to managing delivery and ensuring compliance, the team is central to enabling the UK\’s energy transition.

As a Graduate Data Engineer, you\’ll help develop innovative, data-driven solutions that support the planning and delivery of a reliable, customer-focused electrical transmission network. You\’ll work within cross-functional teams to build and maintain data pipelines, models, and flows that power our Data Fabric technology-ensuring high-quality, accessible data is available to drive smarter decisions.

This role offers hands-on experience working with real-world energy and customer data, contributing to meaningful projects that support National Grid\’s net zero ambitions. Operating in an agile environment, you\’ll be part of a collaborative and fast-paced team where you\’ll grow your technical skills and make a real impact.

What You\’ll Be Doing

• Designing and building data pipelines to support infrastructure planning and customer connections.
• Developing and maintaining data models and flows within our Data Fabric platform.
• Collaborating with product teams, engineers, and analysts to understand data requirements and deliver scalable solutions.
• Ensuring data quality, integrity, and accessibility across systems and platforms.
• Supporting the automation of data processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Working with real-world energy and customer datasets to enable data-driven decision-making.
• Exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance data capabilities.
• Contributing to the digital transformation of Customer Network Development and supporting National Grid\’s journey to net zero.

Our Graduate Programme

As you\’ll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you\’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You\’ll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We\’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you\’ll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Engineering pathway and as part of this you\’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.

We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you\’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.

What you\’ll need to apply

You\’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline. It doesn\’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Location

This role is based in Warwick and may offer flexible hybrid working, where possible.

What You\’ll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640

Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
• 26 days holiday
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
• Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.

More Information

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between November – April 2026

National Grid\’s Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Please be aware that it\’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we\’re not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

At National Grid, it\’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.