Mechanical Engineering Graduate (Aberdeen/Livingston)

Join National Gas and help be the energy behind the change.

National Gas is responsible for operating and maintaining Britain's national gas transmission network, helping to keep the lights on, businesses running and homes warm.

We manage the critical infrastructure that safely and reliably transport gas across Great Britain, supporting the energy security that millions of people depend on every day.

While delivering for Britain today, we're also preparing for tomorrow. Through innovation, investment and the development of future energy infrastructure, we're helping to create a cleaner and more sustainable energy system for generations to come.

As a graduate, you'll be given meaningful responsibility from the start, supported to develop professionally, and empowered to contribute to projects that have a real impact on the nation's energy future. Whether you're solving complex challenges, driving innovation or delivering essential services, you'll play an important role in an organisation with genuine purpose.

Join us and help shape the future of energy.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to build both your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills in a live operational environment. You'll gain exposure to a variety of assets, sites and projects across the region, helping you develop a broad understanding of how engineering supports the operation, maintenance and reliability of the National Gas network.

Day-to-day, you could be:

• Supporting engineering investigations and technical assessments.
• Helping solve engineering challenges and identify practical solutions.
• Contributing to projects that improve the reliability and performance of important infrastructure.
• Working alongside operational teams, engineers and contractors across the region.
• Visiting sites to understand how engineering principles are applied in real-world environments.
• Reviewing data and information to support engineering decisions.
• Building your understanding of asset maintenance, performance and reliability.
• Developing knowledge of engineering standards, processes and industry best practice.

Throughout the programme, you'll gain experience across mechanical engineering, corrosion engineering and rotating machinery disciplines. You'll develop strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills while building the foundations for a long-term engineering career within National Gas.

About You

Join our Scotland & North Operations Engineering team and develop your career as a Mechanical Engineering Graduate, working on the infrastructure that helps keep Britain's energy network running safely and reliably. You'll work alongside experienced engineers and specialists, gaining hands-on experience across a range of engineering disciplines while tackling real operational challenges.

We're looking for someone who is curious, motivated and excited to learn. You won't be expected to know everything from day one, but you should enjoy understanding how things work, solving problems and applying your engineering knowledge in practical situations.

You'll be someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in engineering and operational environments.
• Enjoys solving problems and thinking analytically.
• Is keen to learn from experienced engineers and develop new skills.
• Works well with others and builds positive relationships.
• Communicates clearly and confidently.
• Is adaptable and comfortable working across different projects and locations.
• Takes initiative and ownership of their development.
• Enjoys a mix of office, site and field-based work.

A standout candidate will be enthusiastic about engineering and eager to understand how engineering works in practice. They'll enjoy getting out on site, learning from others and tackling real-world challenges. They'll be proactive, collaborative and interested in developing into a well-rounded engineer. An interest in asset performance, maintenance, reliability or emerging technologies would be beneficial but isn't essential.

We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring to our organisation and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

What you'll need

You'll hold, or be on track to achieve, a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline with strong mechanical engineering content.
We're interested in your potential and transferable skills as much as your academic background. A strong application might include examples of:

• Solving engineering or technical problems.
• Working on university projects, research or design activities.
• Analysing information and using evidence to make decisions.
• Working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrating initiative and a willingness to learn.

Experience gained through placements, internships, engineering projects or site-based activities would be beneficial, but it isn't essential. An interest in asset maintenance, engineering reliability, emerging technologies or data-driven problem solving would also be advantageous.

A good application will include a cover letter to help us understand why you're a great fit for the role. Be sure to include any other relevant experience or university modules.

Studies suggest that women tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you resonate with our mission, the role excites you and your skills align, we encourage you to apply.

The Essentials

This is an 18-month fixed-term graduate programme. You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme. All participants on our Graduate Scheme are subject to National Security Vetting (NSV). Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) throughout their employment. For further information, visit GOV.UK (UK Security Vetting: Clearance Levels).

Travel is a key part of this role and an important part of your development as an engineer. You'll regularly visit operational sites, offices and project locations across the Scotland & North region, giving you valuable exposure to different assets, engineering disciplines and ways of working. Occasional overnight stays may be required depending on project needs. Due to the nature of the role, you'll need a full UK driving licence by the time you join the programme. Access to a vehicle would be beneficial and, where appropriate, we can provide support with transport arrangements, including hire vehicles, to help ensure travel is accessible.

What you can expect from us

You’ll receive a range of benefits that reward your great work.

• Starting annual salary of £34,646, with annual performance-based increases
• A generous holiday allowance of 26 days plus statutory bank holidays, with the option to buy and sell additional days (capped at 5 days)
• 2 paid days each financial year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause
• A generous pension scheme with a double-match contribution – if you contribute 6%, we’ll contribute 12%, helping you build a strong financial future
• Professional development and career progression
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24 hours per day
  
  

At National Gas, we pride ourselves on a supportive and collaborative work environment. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and support our employees in achieving it. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can perform at their best, where every team member feels valued and supported.

You'll be mentored by experienced professionals and have opportunities to work on impactful projects. We ensure that you gain hands-on experience, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

We encourage all graduates to take ownership of their journey. You'll strive to grow and develop, taking advantage of all that National Gas has to offer.

The 'nice to knows'

This role offers a blend of site, office and remote working. As part of an operational engineering team, you'll spend a significant amount of time on National Gas sites and in operational environments across the Scotland & North region, typically around three days each week. This hands-on experience will help you build practical engineering knowledge and learn directly from experienced engineers.

You'll start in a large cohort of other graduates and apprentices, where you'll attend an in-person induction in early September 2027, fostering strong workplace relationships that will build the foundation of your future networks.

Your next steps…

You'll be offered additional support and guidance throughout the application process by our Early Careers team. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a human, every step of the way.

You’re only able to apply for one of our graduate schemes, so please consider this carefully. When reviewing your application, if we feel you might be a good fit for something else, we'll be sure to let you know.

Following a successful online application, you'll be invited to complete an online assessment. Candidates who progress to the next stage will then be invited to a virtual solo interview. The final stage of the process is an in-person Assessment Centre in December or January. We'll share further details closer to the time, including the date and location.

Applications close on Sunday 8th November 2026. Each year, we receive a large volume of applications, so we'd encourage you to apply early.

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At National Gas we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you require reasonable adjustments to complete the application process, please contact us at earlycareers@nationalgas.com