Lead Shift Engineer

There’s a permanent opportunity for you here as an M&E Shift Lead to join our team on one of our data centre contracts in Thurrock, Essex.

Main Purpose of Job

The M&E Shift Lead is responsible for delivering effective mechanical and electrical maintenance within a critical data centre environment. The role includes planned and reactive maintenance, HV assistance, fault diagnosis, and operational support to ensure uptime, resilience, and compliance with safety and contractual requirements. This position is electrically biased; however, the technician will be expected to undertake cross‑discipline tasks as required. The Site is supplied by High Voltage electrical supply and the Shift Lead will need to be appointed to carry out this role, training will be required when and as needed. The role includes providing a minimum 20 days’ annual leave shift cover each year and adapting duties to meet both client needs and business requirements. SC Clearance is required.

Main Responsibilities

• Complete planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and reactive tasks assigned through the CAFM system (Aurora).
• Carry out fault finding, diagnosis, and repairs on electrical and mechanical systems.
• Operate, maintain, and monitor critical infrastructure, including UPS, generators, HV/LV systems, cooling systems, CRAC/CRAH units, pumps, HVAC, and BMS‑controlled equipment.
• Support the Shift Lead and Supervisor in delivering contractual obligations and operational standards.
• Provide safe access to agreed and nominated personnel to High Voltage areas following safe Isolation procedures.
• To operate within a continental shift pattern 4 days, 4 Off – 4 Nights, 4 Off – 3 Days, 3 Nights – 6 Off. Must be prepared to cover a minimum of 20 shifts per year for Holiday cover.

Compliance & Safety

• Follow all company safety procedures, safe systems of work, and permit‑to‑work requirements.
• Ensure correct use of PPE and adherence to site‑specific health & safety rules.
• Report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly.
• Ensure all work is carried out to statutory regulations and industry best practice.
• Ensure the Shift Tech is able to carry out his tasks and collating the daily information supplied by the shift Tech.
• Ensure Supplier RAMS are relevant and compliant and issue the relevant Permits when and as required following the company SSOW.

Coordination & Communication

• Escort subcontractors on site, ensuring compliance with site rules and safety procedures, ensure the inductions are up to date.
• Communicate effectively with contract support, the shift team, and management regarding job status, risks, and operational issues.
• Close out all jobs accurately in Aurora, ensuring correct documentation, notes, and time allocations.
• To be able to effectively operate IT systems, update and issue daily reports to the client, Operate the Building Management System.
• To work within a client office space and effectively communicate to senior members of the Client team.
• In the absence of the site supervisor be available to be the point of contact for Management and Client teams.
• Contact and Manage Supply chain for Out Hours call outs.
• Manage a situation in the event of a critical failure, Complete Incident reports and follow the escalation procedure.

Client & Business Support

• Represent the engineering team, including the day Engineers, to the client professionally at all times.
• Support operational improvements, energy efficiency initiatives, and asset lifecycle planning.
• Adapt to changing requirements and undertake additional tasks when required to support client or business needs.

Hours of Work

Continental Shift Pattern – 12 hours shifts, day and nights. Additional earnings available through overtime – if wanted. Life Assurance. Private Medical Insurance Single Cover on completion of 12 month’ service, with the opportunity to pay for additional cover for partner/dependants. Flexible Benefits Scheme – including eye care voucher, store discounts for major retailers, salary sacrifice electric car vehicle lease scheme, personal IT equipment loans, impartial financial/savings guidance. Access to wellbeing programmes. Company Sick Pay. Employee recognition programmes which reward exceptional achievements. Employee Referral bonus with generous bonuses for ‘referring a friend’. The opportunity to use one working day per year volunteering to help the local community. Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential 24/7 365 support on all lifestyle matters. Smartphone/ Tablet, uniform, PPE.

Person Specification

• Strong technical knowledge of electrical systems, with capability to support mechanical cooling and heating plant and fabric tasks when required.
• Ability to work within a critical environment and remain calm during technical or operational incidents.
• Good communication skills for liaising with clients, colleagues, and subcontractors.
• Competence in using CAFM systems (Aurora experience preferred, but training provided).
• Able to use Microsoft platforms and software.
• Strong problem solving and diagnostic abilities.
• Understanding of risk assessments, method statements, and permit‑to‑work processes.
• Ability to work independently on shift as well as part of a wider team.
• The role requires a high level of Security Clearance, (SC level). This is very in depth and clearance is essential otherwise you will not be able to attend the site.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in a data centre, critical environment, or similar high reliability facility.
• Experience performing PPM, reactive maintenance, and fault diagnosis on M&E equipment.
• Experience working with subcontractors and external service providers.
• Previous shift work experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds equivalent in Electrical Installation / Electrical Engineering (essential).
• Additional mechanical qualification or experience (desirable).
• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (essential).
• Health & Safety training such as IOSH (preferred).

At Dalkia, we are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We ensure that every applicant is treated fairly and respectfully throughout our selection process. If you require any adjustments, please inform us in confidence. Our talent acquisition team is here to assist you.