Airport Duty Engineer

Introduction

Be part of this city within a city. Every year, millions of people travel through Heathrow. Joining our Engineering team means being at the heart of a complex operation whose size, scale and reputation for innovation are unique. We make sure the airport is always running smoothly and keep passengers and planes moving. Our team touches all aspects of airport life – from water to energy, rail to roads, baggage systems to runways. The scope and variety of what we do is vast, spanning mechanical, electrical, water, civil, rail and environmental disciplines. Together we are responsible for the performance of 500,000 assets worth £14bn. It means there are always a wide range of interesting development, construction and maintenance projects to get involved with. And a lot of ways to develop your skills, career and reputation. You’ll be part of a close‑knit, driven team, taking on work that you can take real pride in and feel passionate about. It’s an exciting place to be, where every day, you’ll discover a world of fresh possibilities and you’ll be mentored by world‑class experts every step of the way.

Job Description

The Airport Duty Engineer (ADE) is a key technical specialist responsible for monitoring and controlling a range of essential airport engineering systems, including taking a leading role in managing Heathrow’s low‑voltage network. In this role, you will routinely carry out LV switching to support maintenance and project work, while working towards and maintaining Authorised Person status across systems such as LV, Aeronautical Ground Lighting, Generators, and the Track Transit System. You’ll play a critical part in operational resilience by making informed decisions during incidents or disruptions that could impact safety or airport operations. Reporting to the Airport Senior Engineering Manager, you will help ensure compliance with engineering standards and legislation, and during major events, you may provide on‑site management and deliver timely updates to the Control Room. This is a full‑time, on‑site role that operates on a rotating shift pattern involving both day and night shifts.

Your role will involve

• Monitor critical engineering systems within APOC alongside the ASEM, using tools such as SCADA to identify issues early and support proactive decision‑making.
• Lead the engineering response during incidents, acting as the on‑site lead and liaison with senior managers while supporting the ASEM in key operational decisions.
• Act as a Control Engineer and Authorised Person, ensuring compliance with all regulations, issuing and monitoring safety documentation, and managing conflicts within Safe Systems of Work.
• Control multiple essential airport systems, including the high/low voltage network, fire mains, hot water systems, aeronautical ground lighting, potable and grey water systems, storm and pollution control, and foul water pumping.
• Provide technical support and maintain specialist authorisations, offering expert judgement to internal teams through continuous training and assessment.
• Lead audits and reporting, identifying risks, tracking progress, and ensuring resilience planning through detailed reports and oversight of internal and external work.
• Support talent development and coordinate LV switching, providing coaching and mentoring while preparing and approving LV switching schedules and documentation.

These Skills Are Essential

• City and Guilds LVL3, NVQ3, HNC or above in an appropriate Engineering discipline.
• Experienced in communicating with all levels of the organisation, dealing professionally with colleagues, customers, and business partners.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to obtain airside manoeuvring area driving licence.

Desirable

• Appointed as an Authorised Person within a Heathrow safe system of work.
• Practical experience in electrical engineering and management of electrical distribution systems and switching.
• Understands maintenance terminology, experienced in leading people with the ability to be flexible, adapt to change and work under pressure.

About Us

There’s something so special about working at the world’s most iconic airport. Its sights. Its sounds. Its constant air of excitement. Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities. Every day, you’ll discover a world full of fresh possibilities and come home buzzing with stories to tell, as you encounter people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences. A world full of pride for what we do and no end of exciting career prospects to explore. It brings out the best in all of us. And inspires everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we’re working to welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability.

Our rewards

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance‑based annual bonuses and our longer‑term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market‑leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too. Here you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilling career journey that can take you in exciting directions.

Working location

This is an airport‑based position. Every day, you will play a critical role in helping us to give our passengers the best airport service in the world.

Sustainable Travel to work

Heathrow’s Sustainable Travel Guide sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.

Equal Opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work, and through our diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.

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