Communications Patching Engineer

National Grid; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

An opportunity has become available for a Communications Patching Engineer to be based in the Telecoms Network Management Centre in Taunton. The successful applicant will report to the Telecoms NMC & Projects Team Manager and will be responsible for the testing and deployment of new software and firmware releases on Telecoms and SCADA equipment. A full drivers licence is required for this role and hybrid or remote working is not possible with this role. The successful candidate may initially be appointed on a designate basis until all relevant courses and training are complete. Evidence of your qualification will be required prior to appointment.

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand. The teams at National Grid Telecoms are all about networking. They join data technology in lots of different ways to deliver connected and bespoke communications solutions that meet customers’ needs.

Main Responsibilities

1. Working with suppliers to understand and manage software and firmware releases across a wide range of Telecoms and SCADA equipment.
2. Development and execution of operational and security test procedures on Telecoms and SCADA equipment.
3. Assisting with the deployment of software and firmware updates, including raising change management, planned works notices and ensuring all records are updated.
4. Managing your own working time to ensure that jobs are completed in the most efficient manner.
5. Working with contractors and when necessary witness acceptance tests.
6. Working with colleagues and customers to ensure a continuity of service.
7. Working safely and in accordance with agreed National Grid procedures and techniques.

The Ideal Candidate

In this role you will be required to work with suppliers, assessing and testing the latest software and firmware releases, before arranging for them to be deployed across the Telecoms Network. Experience with DWDM, IP, Firewalls, SDH, PDH, Microwave and SCADA equipment along with knowledge on VHF and UHF radio systems would be an advantage. You should be committed to providing outstanding customer service and have an ability to communicate well with both colleagues, customers and suppliers.

Ideally qualified to BTEC or equivalent in Telecommunications, IT systems or Electrical Engineering or have extensive relevant experience; however applications are also encouraged from staff that are able to demonstrate that they have a technical background and the motivation to make a success of this opportunity. The successful applicant may be required to undertake standby duties in accordance with an agreed rota.

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage.