Electrical engineer engineer

Location: Newton Aycliffe, UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Are you ready to be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of next-generation semiconductor technology? Join Octric Semiconductor – a new name in the compound semiconductor foundry space. 5 billion devices shipped and more than 25 years of expertise, we’re entering an exciting new phase of expansion backed by significant UK Ministry of Defence investment.

As part of our clients growth, we are seeking a skilled Electrical Engineer to support their high-spec manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe.

• To plan and develop and where required, operate and commission new and existing High Voltage and Low Voltage electrical equipment and to ‘hand-over’ the systems to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Group with the appropriate information and training as required for the system to be operated correctly, including required maintenance of the onsite equipment to current regulations.
• To ensure that the plant is running at the optimum level of availability and the overall performance of equipment is achieved to meet business objectives and the needs of the department.
• Ensure electrical and instrumentation safety is maintained on site at all times and to devise, manage and control appropriate isolation procedures factory wide to satisfy current legislation.
• Work safely and accurately with due regard for the safety of others, the process, the environment and plant equipment involved.
• Involvement in planning and carrying out preventative maintenance which is characterised by being planned and scheduled against pre-determined inspections and checks and routine overhauls at regular or fixed intervals of time, including procurement of spares and materials.
• Involvement in unscheduled maintenance, giving immediate remedial response to items of equipment on site.
• Ensure all relevant persons receive appropriate training and development along with maintenance of training records.
• Prepare annual electrical budgets, including running costs of plant items.
• Plan, develop and where required, oversee the commissioning and the maintenance of all new and existing electrical installations on site, ranging from 11,000v down to 100v systems.
• Plan the development/modification of existing electrical systems to provide a more efficient and effective operation where necessary and to achieve continuous operational improvement on the plant.
• Perform fault finding, diagnostic and optimisation activities across site electrical and instrumentation system and equipment.
• Ensure costs are minimised without compromising the quality of the service provided and to check operational control providing back-up information and where necessary, training.
• Assist the O&M Group to solve electrical problems in a timely and effective way, ensuring minimum disruption to the plant.
• Produce maintenance schedules and manuals as necessary and approve these and other key technical documents for use within the department.
• Provide technical data and documentation required for the preparation of proposals.
• Produce and update simple schematic drawings and schedules and plat drawings related to electrical items of plant, HV and LV on site.
• Ensure electrical safety and the HV and LV distribution systems are maintained on site at all times and to devise, manage and control appropriate isolation procedures factory wide to satisfy current legislation and be able to carry out HV isolation and control the system.
• Plan, coordinate, supervise and monitor contractors/vendors work on site, where applicable, and report back on the progress of work.
• Supply technical support and knowledge for maintenance, upkeep and refurbishment of site DCS and PLC Systems.
• Assist in the commissioning of plant with process and commissioning engineers.
• Assist in the production of electrical system designs for process and utilities systems.
• Ensure stable supply of services of the right quantity and quality.
• Deal with plant problems and emergency breakdowns on all site electrical and instrumentation systems as they occur and work with other departments in a clear and concise manner.
• Maintain a consistent and fair approach to all designated shift personnel.
• An understanding awareness to respond to problems in production area and facilities.
• Ensure site life safety and building protection is maintained and upgraded (Gas detection, fire alarms, sprinkler and emergency lighting systems).
• Technical authority for DSEAR Regulations ensuring plant equipment and personnel is compliant with code and regulations.
• Ensure safe working practices at all times and compliance with all the statutory requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act, Electricity at Work Act and Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations.
• Be able to co-ordinate activities with external organisations and sub-contractors.

The successful candidate must have a thorough understanding of all regulations relating to Health and Safety and with particular emphasis on current electrical regulations and HV systems. You should have good written and oral skills and should be able to demonstrate an ability to work effectively as part of an engineering and facilities team.

• Experience of working on LV/HV distribution systems within an industrial/facilities environment.
• ~10 years’ experience of electrical HV switching.
• Training of personnel in safety & authorisations.
• Good knowledge of BS7671 (IEE Regs) including cable sizing & protection systems.
• Ability to work within a multi-trades team.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure if, for example, an entire production line is shut down, and a willingness to work unsociable hours when required.
• Degree or HNC in Electrical Engineering.