Operational Technology Senior Engineer in Bedlington

National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of the UK’s transition to a 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 to ensure we can meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions. We are currently recruiting for a Senior Operational Technology Engineer for our Bedlington site. In this role you will ensure that interconnector OT system, networking and cyber assets maintain the highest level of operational performance and cyber security.

What you’ll do:

• Carry out installation, refurbishment, maintenance, fault investigation/repair and condition monitoring across OT system, networking and cyber assets.
• Initiate and manage the design of new systems, networking or cyber implementations.
• Take part in tender, procurement and design activities associated with new initiatives.
• Ensure routine activities are fit for purpose and run on time – including 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 eliminate all accidents by adopting risk assessment techniques, method statements and reporting all near‑misses.
• Carry out roles as defined in National Grid Ventures’ Safety Rules of ‘Competent Person’ or higher.
• Participate in a site call‑out rota on a periodic basis and support live incidents if they occur.
• Assist in managing 3rd parties undertaking planned and unplanned works safely and efficiently, ensuring risk assessment and method statements are in place.
• Occasionally 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 it in your assigned interconnector and control rooms.
• Ensure systems are managed in accordance with change and asset management lifecycle.
• Support the management of spares and ensure they are tested, configured and deployable as required.
• Play a crucial role in the Backup and Restoration process – managing backups and recovery.
• Support and install hardware & networking changes including testing.
• Act as superuser for hardened privileged devices – manage for onsite teams including use cases, software builds, device management.
• Assist in managing hardware services – air conditioning, power/supplies etc.
• Ensure the suitable 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.
• Lead on 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 of Operational Technology (including OT system, networking and cyber assets) such as control, protection, monitoring systems, HVAC, building management etc – highly desirable.
• Ability to work unsupervised on a wide range of interconnector equipment as part of a fully integrated team, with occasional lone working.
• Demonstrate a self‑help approach to common work‑related problems.
• Computer literate.
• Foundation knowledge and experience of key Health, Safety and Environmental and Occupier legislation applicable within an operational environment and premises (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, CDM Regulations, Electricity at Work Regulations, Occupier Liability Act, Temporary Work).
• Competent Person authorisation or working towards it.
• Good communication skills with a “can do” attitude.
• Ability to use an asset work management system like Ellipse/Maximo/Ultimo/IFS/etc – desirable.
• Networking qualifications such as CompTIA, Cisco – desirable.
• Awareness or qualifications of other ISO/IEC standards (notably ISA/IEC 62443) – desirable.
• Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements (such as the Networks and Information Systems Regulation [NIS]) – beneficial but not essential.

What you’ll get:

A competitive salary between £56,000 - £68,000 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.

About us:

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.

More Information:

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. 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.