Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Mobile Electrical Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

A Mobile Electrical Engineer is a crucial, on-the-ground technical expert responsible for the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical systems and equipment across multiple locations. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role serves as the face of the company to our clients, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise, diagnostic prowess, and excellent customer service. The primary objective is to ensure that all electrical infrastructure under their care is safe, compliant, and fully operational, minimizing client downtime and upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a problem-solver who enjoys variety and working independently in the field.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Electrician (Static Site)
Electrical Installation Engineer
Recently Qualified Electrical Apprentice

Advancement To:

Senior Mobile Electrical Engineer / Technical Lead
Field Service Supervisor / Regional Manager
Electrical Contracts Manager or Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Technical Trainer / Assessor
Health & Safety Advisor (with further qualification)
Controls & Automation Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute a comprehensive schedule of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) on a wide range of electrical systems, including lighting, power distribution, fire alarms, and emergency lighting, to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.
Respond promptly and efficiently to reactive maintenance calls, travelling to client sites to diagnose and rectify electrical faults with a focus on achieving a first-time fix.
Conduct thorough electrical fault-finding and diagnostics on various systems, from simple circuits to complex control panels, to accurately identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
Perform statutory electrical testing and inspection, including Fixed Wire Testing (EICR), PAT Testing, and emergency light duration tests, documenting results meticulously.
Carry out remedial works and minor electrical installations, such as replacing distribution boards, installing new circuits, or upgrading lighting systems to modern, energy-efficient solutions.
Interpret and work from detailed technical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams to complete installations, modifications, and repairs accurately.
Ensure all work is performed in strict adherence to current health and safety legislation, company policies, and the latest wiring regulations (e.g., BS 7671 18th Edition).
Take full ownership of assigned jobs from receipt to completion, managing your time, parts, and documentation effectively to meet service level agreements (SLAs).
Provide clear, professional, and courteous communication to clients on-site, explaining the nature of the work being carried out and offering expert advice.
Identify opportunities for system upgrades or improvements at client sites, providing detailed information and quotations to the account management team.
Manage and maintain the supplied company vehicle, ensuring it is well-stocked with necessary parts and tools, and kept in a clean, professional, and safe condition.
Use handheld technology or tablets to receive jobs, update work statuses, and complete electronic service reports in real-time.
Participate in an out-of-hours emergency call-out rota, providing critical support to clients during evenings and weekends on a rotational basis.
Liaise with a network of suppliers and specialist subcontractors to source parts and coordinate more complex repairs or installations.
Conduct risk assessments and create method statements (RAMS) for assigned tasks to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others.
Undertake small to medium-sized electrical installation projects, managing the process from initial survey through to commissioning and handover.
Act as a technical point of reference on-site, mentoring apprentices or less experienced technicians who may be assisting with larger jobs.
Accurately trace, identify, and rectify faults within building management systems (BMS) and control panels that interface with the core electrical infrastructure.
-g Safely isolate electrical systems and equipment before commencing work, and re-energize them upon completion, following strict lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies, industry best practices, and amendments to electrical regulations to ensure continuous professional development.

Secondary Functions

Meticulously complete all necessary job-related documentation, including detailed service reports, timesheets, and expense claims, in a timely and accurate manner.
Provide clear and concise technical guidance and basic operational training to clients on the proper use and maintenance of their electrical systems.
Collaborate with the scheduling and planning team to optimize your travel routes and daily work schedule for maximum efficiency.
Support other engineering disciplines (e.g., HVAC, Mechanical) on-site when minor electrical assistance is required for their tasks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Fault-Finding and Diagnostics: Advanced ability to systematically and logically diagnose complex electrical faults in a variety of systems and equipment.
Testing and Inspection: Full proficiency in carrying out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) and other statutory testing, with a qualification like City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep and current understanding of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition) and its practical application.
Installation and Remedial Work: Proven skill in installing, repairing, and modifying electrical systems, including consumer units, distribution boards, and final circuits.
Control Systems: Familiarity with the fundamentals of control panels, relays, contactors, and basic Building Management System (BMS) controls.
Emergency Systems: Expertise in the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems (BS 5839) and emergency lighting (BS 5266).
Three-Phase Systems: Competence in working with three-phase power distribution, motors, and associated control gear.
Use of Test Equipment: Skilled in the use of a wide range of electrical test equipment, including multifunction testers, clamp meters, and insulation resistance testers.
-" Schematic Interpretation: Ability to confidently read, understand, and work from electrical schematics, technical drawings, and building plans.
Safe Isolation: Uncompromising ability to perform safe isolation and follow Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures without fail.

Soft Skills

Autonomy and Self-Management: The discipline and motivation to manage one's own workload, schedule, and resources effectively without direct supervision.
Problem-Solving: A logical and analytical mindset to tackle technical challenges and find the most efficient and effective solutions under pressure.
Customer-Facing Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients, explain technical issues in simple terms, and represent the company professionally.
Adaptability: The flexibility to work in a variety of environments (commercial, industrial, retail) and adapt to unexpected challenges and changing priorities.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage travel time, and meet deadlines and service level agreements consistently.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to work, from making compliant electrical connections to completing accurate and thorough documentation.
Safety Conscious: A deeply ingrained commitment to health and safety for oneself, colleagues, and the public.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A recognized electrical apprenticeship (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation or equivalent) and holding an 18th Edition qualification (City & Guilds 2382).

Preferred Education:

HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Advanced inspection and testing qualifications such as City & Guilds 2391, 2394/2395.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Engineering
Building Services Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of post-apprenticeship experience in a relevant electrical maintenance or installation role.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience working in a mobile or field-based capacity within a commercial, industrial, or facilities management environment. Experience covering a specific geographical patch and participating in a call-out rota is highly advantageous.