Project Engineer

About us

We are National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues - who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

Job introduction

We are looking for two experienced Project Engineers to join our Major Projects Maintenance team - one based in Derby and the other covering the East Midlands region (with flexibility to be based from Derby, Hinckley, or Grantham). This team plays a critical role in delivering inspection, maintenance, fault repairs, and construction activities on our 132kV network across the East Midlands—helping to ensure the reliability and safety of the infrastructure that supports 2.5 million customers. As a Project Engineer, you will take ownership of maintaining our extra-high voltage 132kV network, working across cables, substations, and overhead lines. One role will have a plant bias, supporting the maintenance team within the Derby area. The other role will ideally have a cable and overhead line bias, supporting that part of the network across the region. If you are passionate about engineering excellence and want to play a key part in keeping the lights on for millions of people, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Main responsibilities

• The management and control of projects work involving plant, overhead and underground systems, including:
• Project Safety (with a particular focus on ensuring strict compliance with Construction and Design Management (CDM) 2015 regulations)
• Manage, maintain and repair the 132 / 33 / 11kV network across the East Midlands
• Demonstrate expertise in underground cables, overhead Pylons, Substations and protection schemes.
• Network related risk management, liaising with company specialists
• Procurement and Contractor Management
• Senior authorised person duties
• Optimising the 132 kV network availability through effective outage management & robust contingency planning.
• Maintenance and problem solving on existing plant and equipment.
• The commissioning and maintenance of protection systems.

The ideal candidate

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a practical knowledge of protection and control systems, including commissioning equipment and familiarity with plant specifications and extensive knowledge of the electricity network. As this role will involve significant technical challenges you will have a Level 3 City & Guilds 2339 and if not already attained will be required to undertake HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Foundation Degree in Electrical power Engineering. You will be a Senior Authorised Person with operational authorisation up to 132kV with experience working in a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Independent DNO (iDNO) or Independent Connection Provider (ICP). You will also have demonstrable experience in working in a high hazard industry where health and safety is paramount and conversant with construction management regulations (CDM 2015). Candidates must be self-motivated, adaptable, demonstrate a high level of autonomy and work effectively under pressure. The role demands the highest standards of quality whilst maintaining a safe and disciplined working environment. The successful candidate must be mobile throughout the network services area with a valid driving licence and may be required to undertake standby duties in accordance with a predetermined rota. Appropriate training and support will be given in order for the successful candidate to realise their full potential within the role.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.

About the company

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk. Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date. 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. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.