At a Glance
- Tasks: Install and maintain fire and security systems while ensuring compliance with British standards.
- Company: Join CDS, a supportive employer focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Earn up to £40,000 plus overtime, enjoy 25 days holiday, and receive ongoing training.
- Other info: Enjoy a company van for personal use and a positive working culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in safety while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years experience in installations or service engineering and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a versatile Small Works and Install Engineer to join CDS. This role focuses on delivering minor installation works, system upgrades, additions, and remedial works across fire and security systems, ensuring all work is completed to a high standard and in compliance with all British standards.
Responsibilities
- Installation & Commissioning: Carry out installation and commissioning on fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, door-entry systems, or building safety equipment. Accurately interpret installation plans, site drawings, and specifications. Perform cable routing, component mounting/alignment, system configuration, commissioning, and completion of certification and reports. Replacement of faulty emergency lights.
- Maintenance & Fault-Finding: Diagnose and resolve faults efficiently. Provide emergency call-out service as part of a rota, with accompanying call-out pay. Maintain detailed service records, reports, and job documentation.
- Client & Team Collaboration: Develop relationships with clients to clarify needs, demonstrate systems, and resolve queries. Work closely with project managers, surveyors, subcontractors, and office staff. Provide technical support and guidance to junior team members or apprentices.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure all work adheres to British standards. Follow health and safety policies, complete risk assessments, and use appropriate PPE.
- Equipment & Administration: Maintain service vehicle, tools, inventory, and field equipment. Keep software, firmware, and system configurations up to date. Use PDA/mobile tools or portals for scheduling, reporting, and job management.
Essential Requirements
- 2+ years technical experience in small works, installations, or service engineering (fire, security, telecoms, AV, or related disciplines).
- Full UK driving licence.
- Strong fault-finding, technical, and report-writing skills.
- Excellent communication abilities and customer-focused attitude.
- Comfortable working independently and traveling across London & beyond.
- IT proficient (reporting software, email, service management).
- First Aid, IPAF, PASMA certification.
- FIA qualifications.
- Manufacturer-specific training: Honeywell, etc.
Benefits
- Base salary up to £40,000 DOE, with overtime and call out payments.
- Paid door-to-door travel.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (plus additional holiday for long service).
- Company van (with personal use).
- AVIVA pension scheme.
- Supportive management and a positive working environment.
- Ongoing training, qualifications development (e.g. 18th Edition, product training).
Equal Opportunities
CDS is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Small Works Engineer employer: CDS Ltd
At CDS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive management structure and a positive work environment that fosters collaboration and growth. Our Small Works Engineers benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while working on meaningful projects across London and beyond. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we welcome all qualified candidates to join our team and contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality fire and security solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Works Engineer
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like CDS Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Small Works Engineer at CDS Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Works Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDS Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
