At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead electrical construction activities on high-profile defence projects and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Company: Join a leading defence facility focused on innovative sustainment projects.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, long-term contract, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while working in a secure environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold current DV clearance and have 10+ years of electrical engineering experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Salary: Competitive rate - outside of scope of IR35
Job Reference: JOB-90388
Published: 14-05-2026
Duration: 12 MONTHS+
Expiry Date: 11-06-2026
Country: United Kingdom
Current DV Clearance Essential
Defence Sector | Reading | Construction Bias | Long-term Contract | Outside IR35 | Competitive Rate
The Opportunity
We're recruiting a Senior Electrical Engineer for long-term, high-profile sustainment projects at a leading defence facility. This is a construction-biased role focused on delivering electrical work on active defence programmes, reporting to senior engineering leadership.
Contract Details:
- Outside IR35
- Competitive rate
- Aldermaston-based
- Minimum 3 days per week on-site (may require extended periods)
- 9-day working fortnight
- Long-term contract
- Current DV clearance essential
CRITICAL: You must hold current DV (Developed Vetting) clearance. We cannot consider SC-cleared candidates. This role is on strategically important defence sustainment projects requiring the highest level of security clearance.
What You'll Be Doing
- On-site Construction Management
- Lead electrical construction activities on sustainment projects at the facility
- Liaise with construction teams and coordinate work delivery
- Ensure safe, compliant execution of electrical construction work
- Support site operations and resolve technical issues
- Interface with client and site management teams
- Electrical Technical Delivery
- Provide electrical engineering input on construction and sustainment activities
- Review and approve construction drawings and installation procedures
- Ensure compliance with electrical design intent and client specifications
- Lead electrical health and safety on construction activities
- Support commissioning and handover of electrical systems
- Project & Site Management
- Manage schedules and coordinate construction activities
- Report on progress and issues to project management
- Support change control and technical decision-making
- Manage supplier and subcontractor relationships on-site
- Ensure compliance with site procedures and security requirements
- Compliance & Safety
- Maintain site security and compliance with defence facility procedures
- Ensure all electrical work meets UK standards and defence requirements
- Work with safety teams to maintain strong site safety culture
- Support health, safety and environmental compliance on all activities
About You
- Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Current DV (Developed Vetting) clearance - you must hold valid, current clearance. SC-cleared candidates will not be considered.
- Degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional body, or evidence of working towards these titles
- Minimum 10+ years' electrical engineering experience with construction bias
- Proven track record on construction and sustainment projects (not design-focused)
- Strong experience in:
- Electrical construction management and delivery
- Site-based electrical engineering
- Construction supervision and coordination
- Working on active operational facilities
- Defence sector or security-critical environments
- Expert knowledge of:
- Electrical installation and construction procedures
- UK electrical standards and regulations
- Site health, safety and security procedures
- Defence facility compliance requirements
- Strong leadership capability - comfortable co-ordinating construction teams and interfacing with client stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills - confident engaging with site teams, clients and senior management
- Safety and compliance focused - work with safety and security requirements at the forefront
- Adaptable and pragmatic - comfortable working in active, operational environments with changing priorities
- Experience on defence or nuclear facilities
- Experience on sustainment or in-service projects
- Familiarity with on secure sites
- Site-based project management experience
- Knowledge of defence security procedures and protocols
- Experience managing electrical construction on complex facilities
Security Clearance
Current DV (Developed Vetting) clearance is essential. Only candidates holding valid, current DV clearance will be considered. SC-cleared candidates are not suitable for this role.
The Role in Practice
You'll be based in Reading, working minimum 3 days per week on-site (extended periods may be required depending on project needs). You'll work on active sustainment programmes, managing electrical construction activities over the barrier on security-critical defence projects. This is hands-on, construction-focused electrical work in a heavily regulated, secure environment. You'll be interfacing directly with site teams, client management and senior engineers, with responsibility for electrical construction delivery, safety and compliance. Your experience in construction (not design) and your current DV clearance are critical to this role.
Senior Electrical Engineer in Reading employer: Scantec Personnel Limited
As a Senior Electrical Engineer at our leading defence facility in Reading, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to high-profile sustainment projects that are crucial to national security. We offer a competitive rate and a flexible 9-day working fortnight, fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and compliance while providing ample opportunities for professional growth in a highly regulated environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Electrical Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Electrical Engineer role. Personal recommendations can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with electrical construction management and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your DV clearance! Make sure to highlight your current DV clearance in conversations and during interviews. It’s a big deal in this sector, and it sets you apart from other candidates who might not have it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Electrical Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Electrical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in electrical construction management and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in the defence sector. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Clearance:Since current DV clearance is a must-have, make it prominent in your application. Don’t bury it in the details; we need to know you meet this critical requirement right away. It’s a key part of your eligibility for this role!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects where you managed electrical construction activities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact. We love seeing concrete evidence of your capabilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scantec Personnel Limited
✨Know Your Clearance
Make sure you can confidently discuss your current DV clearance. This is a critical requirement for the role, so be prepared to explain how you maintain it and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your understanding of security protocols.
✨Brush Up on Electrical Standards
Familiarise yourself with UK electrical standards and regulations, especially those related to construction. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in past projects, as this will show your technical expertise and compliance focus.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led construction teams or managed site operations. Highlight your ability to coordinate with various stakeholders and resolve technical issues, as strong leadership is key for this role.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Research the specific challenges and requirements of working in the defence sector. Be ready to discuss your experience in security-critical environments and how you ensure compliance and safety on-site, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
