At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert design advice for electrical and digital systems in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovative solutions and sustainability.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by contributing to high-quality outcomes and sustainable initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Digital discipline and experience in specialist systems design.
The predicted salary is between 51700 - 57800 £ per year.
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Location: Headquarters/Hybrid
Pay Band: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Salary: £59,798 - £65,786
Closing Date:
Hours of Work: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Job Purpose: The postholder shall provide support to the SPS Estates Head of Professional and Technical Services – providing strategic direction for and delivering electrical/digital specialist systems design advice service on behalf of Estates and Technical Services, progressing initiatives as requested. The postholder shall act as design champion and ensure that a standard suite of suitable design standards are available and kept under review, providing project specific guidance, advice and assistance in the delivery of projects with the aim to ensuring the delivery of high quality outcomes; promotion of quality design in its role in contributing to the aims of the SPS and in ensuring delivery positive outcomes for the users of the SPS buildings and estate; and co-ordinating business and design/digital improvement initiatives, including transition to Net Zero. The job shall include maintaining contact with UK, other prison and judicial authorities, other governmental groups (Scottish and UK) and advisory organisations. To provide technical support to Project Managers and Estates Maintenance teams on design, operation, maintenance and safety of electrical/digital specialist systems. Undertake inspections of installed systems and audits of working practices to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and ensure safe operating conditions are maintained such as CCTV, Cell Call System, Locking, Alarms, Security Management Systems and Estates digital management systems.
Responsibilities:
- Strategy – Inputting into development plans, option and feasibility studies, research and investigations to develop strategic and/or specific responses to Estates business needs.
- Resource Management - Overseeing the provision of an internally resourced design service in support of business cases, new developments, initiatives and minor projects. Undertaking the management of any external consultants appointed to provide design or other professional services; directing design commissions in support of projects where appropriate; and overseeing the direct appointment and management of consultants for specific appointments and tasks.
- Design Standards – developing and maintaining the set of SPS Estates Design Standards including specialist systems and specifications. Using a continuous improvement process and gathering data from a number of sources and, working with other Estates specialists, maintaining the standards up to date reflecting SPS requirements and best practice; disseminating information as required regarding content and use of standards; and initiating the development of new standards as required.
- Project Assistance – Tailoring design standards to meet specific project needs - Inputting into initial stages of projects at business case and feasibility stages; assisting appointed Project Sponsors and Project Managers throughout design stages, attending design meetings as required; advising on design needs and co-ordination, assessing design outputs and deliverables, assisting in the preparation of tender documentation, tender / proposal evaluation and providing continual assistance through construction and handover / commissioning stages, in regards to design and installation issues.
- Maintenance Support – In support of Area Maintenance Managers, local and HQ maintenance teams, the post holder shall provide a specialist advice service to ensure maintenance regimes are appropriate and compliant; provide advice on defects or failures; assist in the development of maintenance specifications; ensuring surveys, tests and checks are undertaken to ensure that installed systems meet statutory requirements and comply with industry standards; undertake periodic audits of maintenance systems and records.
- Specialist knowledge – Knowledge and experience to ensure SPS remains compliant, as well as developing Specialist Systems knowledge of the SPS estate for input into FOI’s, investigations and enquiries as well as supporting Climate Change Team with delivery of Net Zero and degasification of establishments. Maintaining expert knowledge of Scottish Government strategies and policies relating to the built environment, planning and construction, building standards and related statutory legislation. Developing contacts with other SG or UK governmental organisations including MOJ/NOMS/Home Office, HMPS, NIPS, police and other security or custody related organisations. In addition, initiating trials of new products and providing investigation reports.
Person Specification: SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them, you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.
Qualifications Requirements: Degree level qualification in a relevant Electrical/Electronics/Digital discipline. (Essential)
Experience Requirements: Knowledge Skills Requirements
Design - Comprehensive experience of electrical/digital Specialist Systems design, design management and process, specially related to significant infrastructure projects. Demonstrating your ability to negotiate with and positively influence others to achieve desired project outputs and deliverables. (Essential)
Strategy - Experience in undertaking, researching and developing strategic and/or specific responses to an estates business needs. (Essential)
Specialist Knowledge - Specialist knowledge of electrical/digital specialist systems related advancements in technology, integration, commissioning and maintenance of complex buildings. (Essential)
Design Standards - Experience of defining and setting technical standards and monitoring performance, progress and delivery, initiating corrective actions and improvements as required. (Desirable)
Selection Methods: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site.
Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent employer: Scottish Prison Service
As a Specialist Systems Engineer at SPS, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality outcomes for the community. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have access to continuous learning opportunities and career progression. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we strive towards innovative solutions and a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent
✨Get Involved in Control Systems Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for the Specialist Systems Engineer (Electrical/Digital), Permanent role, make sure to showcase your technical expertise in control systems. Be specific about the software and programming languages you’ve worked with—mention anything from MATLAB to PLC programming. This will help us see your proficiency in the tools that are essential for the job.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the engineering world, numbers speak volumes! Use your CV to quantify your achievements—whether it’s a percentage improvement in system efficiency or successful project completions under budget. This will not only make your application stand out but also showcase your problem-solving capabilities to us.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t hesitate to get personal in your cover letter! Talk about why you’re passionate about control systems engineering and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role at Scottish Prison Service. We want to see your genuine interest and motivation to contribute to our projects.
Professional Documentation:For a full-time role, ensure that your application documents are professional and well-structured. Include a clear CV format and cover letter that highlights key projects or systems you've worked on. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training that would make you a valuable addition to us at Scottish Prison Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Brush Up on Control Systems Concepts
Make sure we're up to speed with control systems theory—think stability analysis, PID tuning, and state-space representation. Revising these fundamentals will help us answer technical questions more confidently and demonstrate our expertise during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools
Get hands-on with popular simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW. A lot of interviews might include technical assessments or practical tasks to gauge our understanding of system modelling and control design using these tools, so being proficient could really set us apart.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
We should expect scenario-based questions where we'll have to solve real-world control system challenges. Practising how to approach problems logically and articulately will help us show our analytical thinking to the interviewer at Scottish Prison Service.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
As this role is full-time, it's crucial we convey our genuine enthusiasm for control systems engineering. Sharing personal projects or experiences where we tackled interesting engineering tasks can illustrate our commitment and eagerness to contribute to the team at Scottish Prison Service.
