National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030.

About the role

Join us on a 12-month industrial placement to work with and learn from some of the best people in the energy industry!

Have you ever wondered how we keep the electricity flowing and the lights on for all electricity consumers in Great Britain? If so, join us during your penultimate year at university as an Industrial Placement Power System Engineer within the National Energy System Operator. You will gain first-hand experience from a core team who are working to operate a carbon free electricity system by 2035.

As a technical undergraduate, you’ll be contributing to developing future system and procedures and subject to the requirements of the team, opportunities may include developing and informing our understanding of future challenges and potential solutions in technical, economic and market fronts.

Our Industrial Placement

You’ll be involved in activities responsible for, but not exclusive to:

  • Supporting system operability assessments and innovation projects
  • Regional development programme
  • Economic assessment
  • Build and maintain offline power system model - NESO maintains an offline version of the GB electricity system in DigSILENT Power Factory. The task will involve keeping it up to date and validating addition/changes etc. to the model.
  • Support the Customer Connections process
  • Generator connection assessment and compliance procedure

What you'll need to apply

You’re customer focused, driven, ambitious, engaged, agile, and passionate about climate change.

You’re on track to achieve a minimum 2.2 degree in an Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Physics or Maths discipline.

You must be in your penultimate year of University

Ideally, you’ll have a valid full UK Driving Licence.

What you'll get in return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £24,300

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Graduate Programmes are like no other!  You will gain an insight into how we work at the NESO, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:

  • £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, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback, accreditation by the IMechE, IGEM and IET, and volunteering opportunities.

The NESO is committed to the personal development of our staff.  Joining us, you will be supported as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills through structured training and on the-job experience. You will work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs.

More information

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.

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.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.