At a Glance
- Tasks: Install and maintain fire and security systems across London and the South.
- Company: Join CDS, a leading provider of safety and compliance solutions in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, 25 days holiday, and a company van.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring safety in various environments while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years experience in installations or service engineering; strong communication skills.
CDS Small Works and Install Engineer London areas and the South (field based)
Package: up to £43000 basic plus overtime, call out and company benefits.
About CDS
For more than 30 years, CDS has been one of the UK’s most respected providers of fire detection, life safety, and security systems. Our mission is simple: to protect you, your people, and your business. We support a wide range of environments—from business parks to leisure centres, nurseries to secondary schools, and from country estates to large housing portfolios, combining national capability with a local, responsive approach, we deliver trusted, high-quality compliance solutions wherever they’re needed. CDS is proudly part of Obsequio Group; our businesses all deliver expert safety and compliance services across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients, solving complex compliance challenges for operators, developers, estates teams and within facilities management.
About the Role
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.
Key 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 & 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 travelling across London & beyond.
- IT proficient (reporting software, email, service management).
Desirable Qualifications
- First Aid, IPAF, PASMA certification.
- FIA qualifications.
- Manufacturer-specific training: Honeywell, etc.
What We Offer
- Base salary up to £43000 DOE, with overtime and call out payments (OTE up to £47000).
- 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).
CDS is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. This job specification is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification in line with business requirements.
Small Works Engineer in London employer: CDS
CDS is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary package and a supportive work environment for Small Works Engineers in London and the South. With over 30 years of experience in fire detection and security systems, we prioritise employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all team members feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of providing high-quality compliance solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Works Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fire and security industry. Attend local events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with installations or fault-finding, consider creating a portfolio of your work. This could be a simple document or a digital presentation that highlights your best projects and achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific systems you've worked with, like fire alarms or CCTV. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at CDS.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Works Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Small Works Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in fire and security systems, and don’t forget to mention any specific qualifications or certifications you have that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to CDS. Be sure to mention your customer-focused attitude and any experience working independently or in teams.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical skills, make sure to include examples of your fault-finding and report-writing abilities. If you've worked with specific systems or tools mentioned in the job description, definitely highlight that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to fire and security systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with installations, fault-finding, and compliance with British standards. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role but also passionate about what you do.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves client interaction and teamwork, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with clients or colleagues. This will demonstrate your customer-focused attitude and ability to work well in a team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like diagnosing a fault or handling an emergency call-out. Prepare by thinking through how you would approach these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and adherence to safety protocols.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the company culture, ongoing training opportunities, or specific projects you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
