Commissioning Technician

Balfour; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading power engineering firm in the UK is looking for Commissioning Technicians/Fitters for substation projects. Responsibilities include high voltage installations and supporting commissioning tasks. Applicants should have an ONC in Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical Engineering and at least 2 years of experience, with strong communication skills essential for stakeholder interaction. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary + bonus opportunities

25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays

Up to 7% employer pension contribution

Professional fees paid

Training & development opportunities

Life assurance, EAP, family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience in substation installation or basic commissioning of High Voltage Substations.
• Experience with safety authorisations for National Grid and/or SSE is a distinct advantage.

Responsibilities

• High voltage substation installations and basic commissioning duties.
• Ensure installations meet current National/International Standards.
• Conduct visual inspections of primary plant.
• Liaise with engineering and project teams during installation and commissioning.
• Assist in the production of emergency procedures.

Skills

Hands-on substation installation

Excellent communication skills

Working knowledge of high voltage equipment

Basic fault finding

Understanding technical diagrams

Education

ONC in Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About The Role

Balfour Beatty Power are currently recruiting for Commissioning Technicians/Fitters - Substations to join our Power Transmission & Distribution business in the UK. Reporting to the Commissioning Manager, you will be working on a variety of projects throughout the UK, ranging from new transformer projects of circa GBP2million to new build substations of circa GBP80million. All applicants must have previous experience with substation installation.

What You'll Be Doing

• High voltage substation installations and support the commissioning engineer with basic commissioning duties in accordance with standard company procedures and Quality Assurance procedures and Work Instructions.
• Ensure that all installations, inspections and basic testing are carried out with due regard to all current National/International Standards & Legislation and Contract Specification scope of works.
• Visual inspections and assessments of primary plant.
• Working with high regard to Health & Safety, CDM Regulations and Environmental Procedures via the understanding of Risk Assessments/Method Statements as necessary to fulfil the Company’s obligations.
• Working near or adjacent to live high voltage equipment under the appropriate safety documentation.
• Liaise with the Commissioning Engineer, Project Manager, Client and any relevant project department as necessary during all phases of the installation/commissioning programme.
• Ensure that all resulting installation/commissioning documentation is fully completed and countersigned by commissioning engineer in line with Company procedures prior to project audits and first energisation.
• Assist with the production of emergency return to service procedures.
• Mobilisation throughout the UK to carry out the company’s commissioning duties.
• Requires flexibility to travel and weekend working.

Who We’re Looking For

• Minimum of an ONC in Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical Engineering with at least 2 years’ experience in hands‑on substation installation, and or basic commissioning, of High Voltage Substations up to 400kV.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to build rapport quickly and develop long‑term relationships with all stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of high voltage substation primary, secondary and auxiliary equipment.
• A good understanding of safe systems of work in high voltage substations.
• Experience in basic fault finding.
• Good understanding of technical diagrams and drawings.
• Mentoring and training colleagues.
• Safety Authorisations for National Grid and/or SSE would be a distinct advantage.

Why Work for Us

• Competitive salary + bonus opportunities
• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Up to 7% employer pension contribution
• Professional fees paid + clear chartership pathways
• Smart working with up to 40% remote flexibility
• Life assurance, EAP, and family‑friendly policies
• Training & development with access to industry‑leading tools and qualifications
• Opportunities to make a difference through volunteering and sustainability initiatives

About Us

Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks. From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on‑going maintenance, our in‑house experts, flexible resources and industry‑leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion.

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, ENEI, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long‑term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industry

Construction