Electrical Systems Senior Engineer in Watford

This role is an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the delivery and performance of all electrical and BHS systems across London Luton Airport. While the primary focus of the role is the operation, maintenance, and stewardship of the Airport's High Voltage (HV) electrical networks, the postholder will also be required to support the wider Electrical and BHS disciplines within the team as operationally necessary.

The role will deliver comprehensive electrical maintenance services across the Airport, ensuring all operational requirements are met safely, compliantly, cost-effectively, and within agreed timescales. The role is responsible for managing, appraising, and optimising existing and future OPEX/ CAPEX resources, supporting robust asset stewardship and long-term infrastructure planning. The postholder will ensure statutory compliance and exceed minimum integrity standards, while ensuring infrastructure capacity is planned for reliable system performance.

The role requires producing, analysing, and managing financial and operational performance data for electrical services, using multiple software systems to support performance monitoring and informed decision-making. The postholder will manage the strategic performance of electrical assets, ensuring planned and reactive maintenance delivers required service levels within agreed budgets.

While the role is HV-focused, candidates with a strong background as an Electrical Senior Engineer or equivalent will be considered. Full role-specific training and competency development will be provided to support successful operation within the Airport's HV environment. As Technical Services supports a 24/7 operational environment, the role includes supporting works outside normal office hours, including technical support to shift engineering teams, responding to system failures, and overseeing critical maintenance activities. Being contactable outside normal working hours is essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the design, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of LLAO's electrical services portfolio, with primary ownership of High Voltage (HV) systems, generators, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• Provide expert technical advice and guidance on the specification, operation, maintenance, and lifecycle management of all electrical assets.
• Manage and optimise OPEX/ CAPEX resources, supporting effective asset stewardship, long-term infrastructure planning, and reliable system performance.
• Oversee electrical records, test and inspection data, and maintenance documentation to ensure statutory, regulatory, and internal compliance.
• Manage HV, generator, EV, and PV maintenance contracts, including planning, supervision, contractor performance, cost control, and delivery of agreed service levels.
• Act as TSD Authorising Engineer for HV systems and oversee other contracted works, issuing, controlling, and supervising work authorisations and permits in line with Technical Services policies and safe systems of work.
• Support financial planning for electrical works, including cost estimation, budget monitoring, stock management, and evaluation of CAPEX/OPEX trade-offs.
• Monitor and report on operational performance and asset condition, maintaining KPIs, producing progress reports, and implementing process improvements as required.
• Ensure safe working practices across all electrical works, undertaking regular H&S inspections, audits, and risk assessments, and driving compliance with airport safety and regulatory standards.
• Support shift operations and critical works, providing hands-on supervision for OPEX/ CAPEX activities and being available outside normal hours for urgent incidents, failures, or maintenance.
• Integrate new assets into the maintenance environment, including preparation of maintenance plans, handovers, training, and alignment with operational budgets.
• Mentor and support the engineering team, providing technical leadership to ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of electrical services.
• Maintain and develop electrical drawings, technical specifications, and tender documentation to support operational, maintenance, and project delivery requirements.
• Contribute to delivering a great guest experience by performing your role with accuracy and efficiency. Recognising that every task whether guest facing or behind the scenes contributes to supporting the company's overall LLA Way Strategy and service standards.
• Proactively and positively promote the LLA Way initiatives and projects with all employees and the wider airport community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Engineering Qualification: Electrical Engineering HNC Level 4 (or equivalent) preferred; Level 3 with significant experience in electrical installations / maintenance, and management of electrical services will be considered.
• Electrical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of all electrical infrastructure required. Detailed experience in High Voltage (HV) systems, generators, EV charging, and photovoltaic (PV) systems is desirable; training provided if needed.
• Regulations & Compliance: IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and Electricity Supply Regulations. Health & Safety legislation including CDM, Electricity at Work Regulations, and risk assessment. Airport operational compliance, statutory inspections, and reporting obligations. Ensure all works meet regulatory, statutory, and internal safety standards; audit-ready. Understanding of permit-to-work systems and responsibilities of an Authorised Person.
• Technical Authorisation: Prepare risk assessments and method statements. Act as TSD permit issuer for high-risk works (hot works, life safety, HV/LV, service clearance, WAH); training provided if required. Issue, control, and supervise work authorisations and contracted works.
• Software & IT Skills: Experience with maintenance management systems (Tabs FM, Shire, QFM, Maximo) and Microsoft Office; able to analyse operational and financial data.
• Leadership & People Management: Manage teams and contractors, lead, mentor, and ensure safe and efficient delivery of works.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure H&S compliance, drive continuous improvement, and support 24/7 operations, including critical incidents and out-of-hours work.
• Project & Asset Management: Strategic asset management, lifecycle planning, integrating new assets into maintenance regimes, budget management, and stock/material control.