Plant Operating Engineer

Salary: From £80,000 depending on skills, knowledge and experience
Grade: MMG1

Contract type: LU

Reference: 1169

Location: Tufnell Park

Working Hours: Office hours with a requirement to work unsocial hours when required, including evenings, nights and weekends

Application closing date: 25 June 2025 at 23:59. We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Overview of project/role

The role is responsible for the safe and efficient repair and refurbishment of AP Power’s assets to allow the effective power supply to London Underground. This includes all work associated with the Operations and Maintenance of the London Underground Power Distribution Network, while specializing in Power Operational Engineering Management.

The role carries responsibility for the delivery of effective reliability by way of the implementation of appropriate plans for corrective and reactive maintenance; alongside the inspection, condition monitoring and testing regimes to ensure asset health in accordance with LUL Standards.

The post holder will strive to implement reliability improvements, ensure staff and contractors apply engineering best practice.

Key Accountabilities

• The role carries responsibility for the delivery of effective work on HV and pilot cables by way of the application of appropriate programming and plans for work on or near cables in accordance with LUL Standards.
• Apply LU standards, policies, rules and procedures as related to AP Power HV and pilot cables to ensure compliance. Ensure conformity and compliance with policy and rules.
• Apply and monitor management systems within the Development Section to fulfil this purpose including H&S and I/R matters.
• Direct, control and monitoring of staff working on behalf of the Development/HV Cables Section which includes a team of 3rd Engineers, Industrial Staff and external contractors which undertake all remedial activities.
• Monitor, track and observe performance objectives for the Development/Breakdown section. Preparation, recording and tracking of cost estimates for cable diversion works.
• Identify & develop technical innovations in line with industry best practice and other benchmarks to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of HV Cable assets which serve the London Underground Power Distribution Network.
• Represent the interests of the Development/HV Cables/Plant Section Interface as necessary with suppliers, manufacturers and service providers on matters relating to O&M. Provide account at forums, committees and agencies accordingly in support of AP Power’s wider interests.  Meet the prescribed asset reliability targets and key performance indicators set by the Plant Manager.
• Responsibility for the effective direction and management of HV Cables/Breakdown staff and contractors.
• Apply reliability improvements and influence renewals, upgrades, replacements and designs.
• The role requires command and understanding of substation Plant and equipment as well as repair techniques.
• Monitor, track and observe performance objectives for the Development/Breakdown section. Preparation, recording and tracking of cost estimates for cable diversion works.
• Report writing and review; supporting processes such as failure reports, technical reports, work instructions, project scopes, method statements, risk assessments, staff competencies, PGIs, on site staff engagement, etc.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Skills

• Strong team working ethic, communication and influencing skills (Essential)
• Proactive and organised approach, particularly towards risk management (Essential)
• Strong report writing skills including computer competencies, and ability to use the Maximo asset management tools (Desirable)
• Good conflict and relationship management skills (Essential)
• Strong skill set in relation to achieving customer satisfaction focused specifically towards understanding and delivering the needs of an operational railway (Essential)
• Analytical & fault finding skills, including hands-on investigation of Plant failures (Essential)
• Track access - certified to working alone on LUL and PTS Network Rail (Desirable)
• LV1 / HV2 – safety critical license, including manual control and switching duties (Desirable)
• Experience of the installation, commissioning, operations, maintenance and repair of all aspects of HV, LV & DC substation switchgear and plant. (HV permit acceptor)/ HV1 (HV authorised person) (Essential)
• Analytical & fault finding skills, including hands-on investigation and repair of plan assets (Essential)

Knowledge

• HNC Electrical Engineering qualification (or equivalent experience) (Essential)
• Very strong safety management culture and commitment to H&S (Essential)
• Understanding of asset management techniques (Desirable)
• Excellent leadership qualities, with good conflict and relationship management skills (Essential)
• Experience of managing Engineers and skilled craft staff (Essential)
• Ability to instigate projects and plant upgrades, develop project scopes and project management (Desirable)
• Track access - certified to working alone on LUL and PTS Network Rail (Desirable)

Experience

• Experience of leading a team within an Electricity Network in a railway environment would also be an advantage (Essential)
• Experience of materials management
• Experience of managing procurement channels, finance department, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers (Desirable)
• Experience of the installation, commissioning, operations, maintenance and repair of all aspects of HV and pilot cables on LUL railway, Network Rail and public highway (Desirable)
• Substantial experience of the installation, commissioning, operations, maintenance and repair of all aspects of Substation Plant (Essential)
• Experience of the installation, commissioning, operations, maintenance and repair of all aspects of HV and pilot cables on LUL railway, Network Rail and public highway (Desirable)
• Experience of materials management, provision of spares and consumables (Desirable)
• Experience of managing and controlling strategic and line side spares, identifying and retaining salvaged stock as well as newly sourced provision (Desirable)

Application Process 

• Please apply using your CV and a two-page covering letter
• Think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience in the advert and cover this in your CV and cover letter
• PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. 
 
Benefits

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow.  Rewards vary according to the level of role but mostly include the below:

• Final salary pension scheme 
• Free travel for you on the TfL network 
• Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket
• 29 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
• Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional) 
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers 
• Discounted Eurostar travel

Additional Information

This is a safety critical role so you will need to get clearance from our Occupational Health team before you start.