Technical Assistant in Ashford

About the role

At National Grid, we're at the heart of the energy transition. Through our Interconnectors business, we connect Great Britain to neighbouring energy markets, helping to deliver affordable, secure and lower‑carbon electricity to millions of customers.

We're looking for a Technical Assistant to join our IFA Operations team at Sellindge, Kent. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your engineering career while working on critical infrastructure that helps connect the electricity systems of Great Britain and France.

As part of our Operations team, you'll play an important role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our interconnector assets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Working alongside experienced engineers and technicians, you'll support the maintenance, inspection and condition monitoring of our HVDC converter station, cable systems, substations and associated operational technology.

This role offers hands‑on experience across a diverse range of plant and equipment, giving you the opportunity to develop specialist expertise while contributing to the reliability and performance of one of the UK's most important energy assets.

You'll also have the opportunity to support activities across our wider Interconnector portfolio, including IFA2, North Sea Link and Viking Link, with occasional travel to other UK and international locations.

This role will be based on site at our IFA1 interconnector in Sellindge, Kent. Please note you must live within a commutable distance of site to be considered for the role with a full UK driving licence.

What you'll do

• Support the safe and efficient operation of the IFA converter station and associated assets.
• Carry out routine inspections, condition monitoring activities and minor maintenance tasks on both a planned and reactive basis.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to identify and resolve issues, helping to ensure high levels of asset reliability and performance.
• Follow National Grid's safety procedures and safe systems of work at all times.
• Contribute to a positive safety culture by identifying hazards, reporting near misses and promoting continuous improvement.
• Support contractor activities and working effectively with third‑party partners on site.
• Share knowledge and supporting the development of colleagues across the team.
• Work towards and undertaking responsibilities associated with the National Grid Ventures Safety Rules Competent Person authorisation.

What you'll need

We're looking for someone who is passionate about engineering, eager to learn and committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

You’ll have:

• A Level 2 Engineering qualification, recognised apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
• Practical engineering experience gained within an industrial or operational environment.
• Experience working within strict health and safety regulations.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive, can‑do approach.
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a highly collaborative team.
• Competent Person authorisation, or a willingness to work towards achieving it.

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• Experience working on high‑voltage switchgear or associated electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of power transmission, substations or utility infrastructure environments.

What you’ll get

A competitive salary between £38,326 - £41,707 per annum – dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 27th July 2026 at 23:59. We encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

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.