At a Glance
- Tasks: Install and maintain fire and security systems while ensuring compliance with British standards.
- Company: Join CDS, a respected leader in fire detection and safety solutions for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £43,000, overtime pay, 25 days holiday, and a company van.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and career development opportunities in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years experience in installations or service engineering; strong communication and fault-finding skills.
CDS Small Works and Install Engineer Nottingham (East Midlands) Package: up to £43000 basic plus overtime, call out and company benefits (package circa £(phone number removed)
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 traveling 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 Nottingham employer: CDS
CDS offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Fire Systems Project Engineer role, with a strong emphasis on employee growth and development within the dynamic sectors of fire safety and engineering. Located in the picturesque Buckinghamshire and Midlands regions, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values teamwork and innovation, alongside a competitive bonus package and comprehensive benefits that enhance work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises your career progression while making a meaningful impact in life-safety systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Works Engineer in Nottingham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Small Works Engineer role you’re after at CDS.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at CDS.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Small Works Engineer at CDS, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Works Engineer in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Small Works Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at CDS a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to CDS specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDS
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with CDS, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like CDS want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
