Deputy Technical Expert - Electrical

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

The Deputy Technical Expert-Electrical is a pivotal member of the Capability-Estates Management Services department. The position will follow a structured support program to develop proficiency in engineering containment management. This will specifically involve supporting design and operation of specialist plant control systems and supporting the project management teams on new engineering installations. The role offers an opportunity to gain experience and with demonstrated proficiency an opportunity to progress to a more senior role at the Institute.

Main duties and responsibility

• Assist managing critical systems plant and equipment supporting high containment biological research facilities and contribution towards a culture of continuous improvement.
• Assist the Technical Experts in maintaining Asset Integrity and Reliability through the management of the Planned Preventative Maintenance for their section to include the updating of the Maintenance Tasking Schedule (MTS) and the Computerised Management Maintenance System (CMMS).
• Support the Technical Experts through monitoring of performance data against KPIs, to continually improve Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) based on equipment performance statistics and observations.
• Aiding the Change Control Process / Technical Expert in the development and management of change requests inclusive of technical input into alterations in procedures, policies, equipment and systems.
• Informing user departments regarding goals and expected deliverables in areas of expertise.
• Assist the Systems Technical Expert’s in the management of third-party service providers in accordance with the Institute Procurement and Health & Safety Policy.
• Develop proactive communication with end users and Health, Safety and Biosafety (HSBS). Communicating effectively during planned and reactive maintenance shutdowns.
• Participate in the shutdown programme planning meetings to ensure efficiency of operations.
• Attend interdepartmental meetings as designated.
• Advance the inventory and critical stores process.
• Facilitate the Systems Technical Expert’s with the setting and managing annual maintenance budget for specialist area including forecasting annual spend and contingencies.
• Help the Technical Expert’s with the preparation of Planned Work on Biocontainment Systems (PWBCS's) & Planned Work on Specific Pathogen Free Facility (PWSPF's).
• Assist the Systems Technical Expert’s with the developing and maintaining of the Life Cycle & Obsolescence records.
• Ensuring contractor RAMS are reviewed and the correct documentation raised prior to site attendance to ensure Safe System of Work (SSOW) compliance, in collaboration with the Maintenance Contract Supervisor, Supervisors and designated maintenance staff.
• Generating technical documents, including Work Instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, Validated Processes & Pirbright Development Programme designs.
• Support the Technical Experts on investigations and clearing actions.
• Aid the Technical Experts and Operational Support Team in Maintaining documentation, quality records, visitor forms, purchase orders etc.

Projects

• Attending Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) & structured what if Technique (SWIFT) meetings for new projects and changes to existing equipment.
• Attending Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) on new equipment or for improvements as part of any project.
• Supporting the project operational Interface on the handover of projects.
• Participating along with the Process Safety Engineers in Route Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) activities for solving equipment/process related technical issues.
• Resolving project-related problems within their area of expertise using methods such as analytical thinking & process safety techniques.

Training & Competency

• Support the Pirbright training programme to develop knowledge of key plant, equipment, and facilities.
• Assist in creating training documentation.
• Fact-checking to ensure data, information accuracy and supporting colleagues to achieve this.
• Providing feedback to Systems Technical Expert throughout testing and rollout of deliverables and working to create testing scenarios and validate test results.
• Develop skills and experience to ensure equipment and facilities remain compliant with current regulatory requirements and facilitate internal audits.

Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify technical and operational improvement areas to enhance the Pirbright values and culture.

Specific requirements:

Essential

• HND/HNC/ONC or Suitable Vocational Training in Electrical engineering.
• City and Guilds Accredited programme in Electrical Maintenance.
• Experience of process engineering within a regulated environment.
• Experience in maintenance problem solving.
• Knowledge of control systems to include validation and commissioning.
• Good IT skills with MS Office.
• Valid UK driving license.
• Excellent communication skills, able to communicate technical subjects to various levels and areas of staff.
• Able to work independently in project delivery.
• Able to work in a team for problem solving and project delivery.
• Able to work outside core office hours if required.

Desirable:

• Degree in Engineering.
• Experience of Drawing, CAD, and Document Control packages.
• Experience of Electricals (HV/LV electrical distribution, LV Panels & Lighting Control Distribution, Variable Speed Drives etc.)

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised employee restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric car charging facilities.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.