Operational Technology Engineer in Bedlington

National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of the UK’s transition to our net zero energy future. We operate a number of HVDC interconnectors that connect the UK’s energy system to some of our closest neighbours, allowing energy to be imported to and exported from the UK. As well as already owning a portfolio of HVDC Interconnectors, we’re working on developing new projects in order to ensure that we are able to meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.

We are currently recruiting for an Operational Technology Engineer on site at our NSL converter station in Bedlington. As our Operational Technology (OT) Engineer, you will have a critical role ensuring that interconnector OT system, networking and cyber assets maintain the highest level of operational performance and cyber security. Please note the role is based on site in Bedlington and you must have a full UK driving licence.

What you’ll do:

• Carry out installation, refurbishment, maintenance, fault investigation/repair and condition monitoring across OT system, networking and cyber assets.
• Support new systems, networking or cyber implementations.
• Support in tender, procurement and design activities associated with new initiatives.
• Run routine activities such as system and patch updates, AV updates, backups and permission reviews on various frequencies - daily/weekly/monthly/annual.
• Perform asset condition-based monitoring and system performance monitoring.
• Perform both reactive and proactive maintenance on associated assets and systems.
• Proactively work towards eliminating all accidents by adopting risk assessment techniques, method statements and being aware of potential hazards and reporting all near misses.
• Participation in a site call out rota on a periodic basis and support live incidents if they occur.
• Assist in the management of 3rd parties undertaking planned and unplanned works safely and efficiently including ensuring risk assessment and method statements are in place.
• On occasion, support the delivery of works and services across the Interconnectors Portfolio of IFA, IFA2, NSL and Viking Link sites.
• Interpret and consult on central policy from the Cyber, Engineering, Assurance and Policy team and implement to your assigned interconnector and control rooms.
• Work closely with the site and control room operations team to plan and test Incident Response Plans.
• Support training the on-site and operator teams in relation to systems, procedures or security.
• Act as superuser for hardened privileged devices – manage for onsite teams including use cases, software builds, device management.
• Assist in the management of hardware services – Air conditioning, power supplies etc.
• Assist in the management of physical and logical security controls relating to the cyber security of critical systems – for instance user permissions, port blocking, security system logic, CCTV coverage of core areas.
• Support assurance, audit and inspection activities when undertaken.
• Undertake compliance activities to key regulatory requirements, including compliance reporting in collaboration with other Subject Matter Experts.

What you’ll need:

• Experience working with and/or knowledge on Operational Technology (including OT system, networking and cyber assets) such as control, protection, monitoring systems, HVAC, building management etc is highly desirable.
• Ability to work unsupervised on a wide range of interconnector equipment as part of a fully integrated team but with occasional lone working.
• Demonstrate a self-help approach to common work-related problems.
• You will be computer literate.
• Foundation knowledge and experience of key Health, Safety and Environmental and Occupier legislation applicable within an operational environment and premises.
• Competent Person authorisation or working towards.
• Ability to use an asset work management system like Ellipse/Maximo/Ultimo/IFS/etc is desirable.
• Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements (such as the Networks and Information Systems Regulation [NIS]) is beneficial but not essential.
• An NVQ or HNC Qualification in engineering, IT, telecommunications or equivalent, or an equivalent recognised apprenticeship.

What you’ll get:

A competitive salary between £47,000 - £57,000 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.

National Grid is pioneering ways to decarbonise the energy system; from building interconnectors to allow the UK to share clean energy with our neighbours in Europe, to investing in renewable energy generation in the United States. As one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world, National Grid is at the centre of a clean, fair and affordable energy future, where tackling climate change and reaching net zero is a key priority.

This role closes on 12th February 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

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.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the unique differences people bring into our organisation and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and provide a working environment where everyone feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.