Field Engineer in Gravesend

Department: Information Technology

Reporting to: Navigation Systems Manager

Grade: 5

Salary: £60,168 per annum + 26% allowances (£75,811 total package)

The allowance reflects participation in the on-call rota and the requirement to respond to operational faults outside normal working hours.

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Interviews: Initial interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a face-to‑face interview at Gravesend

We are currently looking for a Field Engineer to join our team, with a focus on RADAR, VHF and microwave as well as other sensor systems. The role offers a unique opportunity to work with specialist navigation and communications technology across a variety of operational locations on the Thames.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a ‘tech-curious’, skilled and adaptable professional with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Due to the operational nature of the role, successful candidates will be expected to participate in the on-call rota following their initial induction period and therefore must bring relevant skills, knowledge and experience from the outset. This includes:

• A Degree, or equivalent qualification, in electronic engineering or related discipline.

• Minimum five years’ practical experience in a comparable role or setting.

• In-depth knowledge of RADAR, radio and microwave engineering, together with experience in the design, maintenance and repair of electrical, electronic and telecommunications systems.

• Ability to meet the health, safety and certification requirements of the role, including working at height, to perform the role effectively.

• Full, clean manual driving licence

You will be required to form part of an on-call rota (one week on call in every four weeks) to ensure the availability of services 24/7. Days off in the week are provided before and after the on-call period, which includes working the on-call weekend at Gravesend 8am to 5pm. Applicants are required to live within a one-hour commute of Gravesend due to the operational requirement to participate in the on-call rota and respond to incidents and call-outs.

Extensive training and development will be provided, including specialist technical training and certification for working at height to enable you to do this safely.

You will ensure existing assets are regularly maintained and guide the planning, installation and support for our operationally critical equipment and systems. A strong customer-service focus, together with a methodical approach and excellent attention to detail, is essential for this role.

You will also need to demonstrate your ability to remain focussed under pressure, be a great team player, and be able to work independently, take responsibility and deliver to agreed deadlines and standards.

Who we are:

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The IT Department plays a critical role in ensuring our end‑users have reliable systems they need to ensure the port continues to operate 24/7/365 and enables navigational safety throughout its area of operation. The Navigation Systems team is part of the IT department. The team’s main function is to provide services to operational teams such as VTS and Pilotage, providing and maintaining systems and hardware for a broad range of services such as RADAR, vessel identification and tracking, radio communications as well as tidal and weather information. We also secure, manage, monitor and maintain our own IP and microwave networks.

Benefits package:

• Access to training with both internal and external courses provided

• Structured plans to guide personal development

• 28 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

• Generous pension

• Onsite parking with electric charging

• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Access to MyGymDiscounts

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.