Job Description

Job Introduction

An opportunity has become available for a Civil Design Engineer role within the Engineering Design team based at our Cardiff depot.


The Engineering Design Team prepare electrical, protection/control and civil designs for schemes to construct, extend or modify electricity substations energised at up to 132,000 volts. Our primary outputs consist of detailed engineering drawings to facilitate the real world build of conceptual network changes, and the calculation and issuing of protection settings. Across the business we handle in excess of 500 active design commissions at any time ranging in capital value from 50k to over 35m.


Engineering Design are the conduit through which conceptual network designs become buildable solutions, for the replacement and reinforcement of our substation assets. With the urgent need to achieve carbon neutrality across the country, having robust and reliable network assets is critical. We have an accelerating workload to meet this demand and require additional, talented engineers to help us rise to the challenge.


Although mainly office based, we are regularly mobile throughout the area and engineers have autonomy to arrange whatever meetings/site inspections/surveying they feel are required to complete their assigned work. Transport provisions such as hire vehicles/mileage allowances and are available as appropriate, as is accommodation in instances where travel time is particularly significant.

The successful candidate may initially be appointed on a lower salary until all relevant training is completed.

Main Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the role include: The Detailed design of Civil Engineering features, primarily substation buildings, foundations, structures, road and drainage. Preparation of detailed engineering drawings in an AutoCAD environment; specifically, 2D wireframe but 3D skills may prove useful. Ensuring compliance of design output with NGED policy. Considering the safety implications of decisions made at design stage on the constructability, operation, maintenance, and final decommissioning of substation asset. Updating and archival of records based upon as-built data received from site. Contribution to the standardisation of substation design, Structural design and general upkeep of drawing archives etc as necessary. Preparation of specification for tender and construction purpose. Discharging the duties of a 'Designer' under the Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations.

We are a growing team with a culture of support, progress, and continuous improvement. We are looking for individuals who can join us in expanding and developing our outputs, who is committed to the success of the team and is able to take ownership and personal responsibility for their workload.


The Ideal Candidate

Candidates should ideally be qualified to a national certificate level or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline such as Civil engineering or Structural engineering or someone with demonstrable experience in the Design Engineering field or a relevant role.


We would like applicants to have experience in preparing and manipulating engineering drawings using computer-aided design tools (e.g. AutoCAD) as this is the main tool we use; however for a promising candidate who is able and willing to gain these skills rapidly, this may not be a barrier.


Applicants should hold a full UK driving licence.


Candidates will further be expected to demonstrate customer focus, flexibility, good communication skills and an ability to manage several design commissions.


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.


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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.

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.

About Us

We're 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.