The Critical Services Engineer is a senior Low Voltage (LV) electrical specialist responsible for the planning, execution, modification, testing, and re-energisation of mission-critical LV infrastructure in high-risk environments.
This role requires full ownership of end-to-end LV activities, including shutdown planning, safe isolation, modification works, testing, energisation, and incident response. All work must be carried out under strict technical governance, safety standards, and authorisation procedures.
This is not an installation-focused role. It is an engineering authority position that combines technical expertise, operational control, safety leadership, and client-facing responsibility.
Key Responsibilities Overview
- LV shutdown planning and execution
- Panel, MCCB, ACB, and busbar modification
- Safe isolation (LOTO) and Authorised Person duties
- Testing, commissioning, and QA documentation
- Emergency fault and incident response
- LV switchgear inspection and assessment
- MCCB replacement and configuration
- ACB maintenance, retrofit, and withdrawal units
- Busbar modification and extension works
- LV panel and main distribution board modifications
- Fault diagnosis and rectification
- Testing, verification, and certification
- Controlled re-energisation and load monitoring
- Thermal imaging and panel inspections
Essential Qualifications and Requirements
- NVQ Level 3 Electrical (Approved Electrician)
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
- City & Guilds 2391 Inspection & Testing
- LV Authorised Person experience
- Proven LV modification experience
- Experience working on LV systems from 100A to 3200A
- Experience in mission-critical environments with high fault levels and operational dependency
Desirable: City & Guilds 2396
Core Responsibilities – Detailed Breakdown
Engineering & Technical Delivery
Independently plan and deliver complex LV works, including:
- LV switchgear inspection and condition assessment
- MCCB replacement and configuration
- ACB maintenance, retrofit, and withdrawal unit operations
- Busbar modifications and extensions
- LV panel and main distribution board upgrades
- Fault diagnosis and rectification
- Testing, verification, and certification
- Controlled re-energisation and load monitoring
Shutdown Planning & Control
- Lead and manage planned shutdowns, including:
- Isolation matrices
- Switching schedules
- LOTO procedures
- Temporary power strategies
- Coordinate multi-board shutdowns and system dependencies
- Act as the on-site technical authority during shutdown execution
Electrical Safety & Authorised Person Duties
- Operate as a Low Voltage Authorised Person
- Apply Electricity at Work Regulations within live operational environments
- Execute and supervise safe isolation procedures, including locking, tagging, and proving dead
- Manage permit-to-work systems and enforce exclusion zones
- Lead emergency switching and fault response activities
Testing, Diagnostics & Commissioning
Perform and oversee:
- Initial and periodic verification
- Continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and functional testing
- Thermal imaging and trend analysis
- Load monitoring and post-energisation thermal inspections
- Identify defects, equipment degradation, and lifecycle risks, providing clear recommendations for remediation.
Arc Flash & High-Energy Risk Management
- Apply arc flash risk assessment methodologies and incident energy calculations
- Ensure correct PPE selection and enforce safe working boundaries
- Implement arc mitigation strategies and safe switching practices
Documentation & Engineering Authority
Produce and approve:
- Survey reports
- Engineering work packs
- RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
- Single line diagrams
- Switching schedules
- QA and completion documentation
- Certification and technical reports
- Maintain fully documented, auditable records for all works undertaken.
This role demands a high level of technical competence, accountability, and decision-making in environments where safety, reliability, and precision are critical.