Data Cabling Engineer

Vista Technology Support; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Overtime opportunities

Technical training

Diverse projects

Job summary

Vista Technology Support seeks an experienced Data Cabling Engineer to deliver high-quality structured cabling installations across commercial, retail, office and industrial environments. You will install, terminate, test, certify and maintain copper data-cabling systems (Cat5e/6/6A, Cat7 where specified).

You will work from drawings and site instructions, coordinating with project managers and clients to meet programme and quality targets.

Qualifications

• Proven practical experience installing, terminating, testing and fault-finding structured copper cabling systems.
• Strong knowledge of Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A components and installation practices.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Survey areas, identify routes and access requirements before installation.
• Install and terminate copper cabling Cat5e/6/6A/7 per project specs.
• Install and maintain containment systems (basket, tray, trunking, conduit).
• Terminate cables onto RJ45 modules and patch panels.
• Inspect and certify installations using a calibrated tester (Fluke DSX-series).
• Update drawings, schedules and test records for handover.

Skills

Cat5e

Cat6

Cat6A

Cat7

RJ45 termination

Fluke DSX

Technical drawings

Cable routing

Patching schematics

Driving licence

Team coordination

Tools

Fluke DSX-series

Patch panels

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Data Cabling Engineer to deliver high-quality structured cabling installations across commercial, retail, office and industrial environments. The successful candidate will install, terminate, test, certify and maintain copper data-cabling systems, primarily Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A and, where specified, Cat7. The role requires excellent workmanship, accurate documentation and the ability to complete installations safely and efficiently in both new-build and live operational sites.

The engineer will work from technical drawings, cable schedules, patching schematics and site instructions, coordinating with project managers, site teams and clients to achieve programme, quality and handover requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Survey work areas, identify suitable cable routes and agree any deviations or access requirements before installation.
• Install, route and secure Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A and Cat7 copper cabling in accordance with project specifications, manufacturer guidance and applicable structured-cabling standards.
• Install and maintain containment systems, including basket, tray, trunking and conduit, while observing bend-radius, segregation, support and fill requirements.
• Terminate cables onto RJ45 modules, floor boxes, consolidation points, patch panels and other specified connectivity hardware using the correct wiring scheme.
• Build, dress and organise communications cabinets, including patch panels, cable-management bars, blanking panels, shelves, PDUs and associated equipment where required.
• Follow rack elevations and patching schematics to complete accurate copper patching between patch panels, network switches and end-user services.
• Maintain cable pair twist, avoid excessive sheath removal or cable tension, and protect installed links from crushing, kinking and electromagnetic interference.
• Label cables, outlets, patch panels and cabinet positions consistently with drawings, schedules and the client’s asset-naming convention.
• Perform permanent-link or channel certification using a calibrated Fluke DSX-series tester or equivalent, applying the correct cable category and project test limit.
• Review pass/fail results and diagnose faults relating to wire map, length, insertion loss, return loss, resistance, delay or crosstalk; rectify issues and retest.
• Save, organise and submit electronic certification results by site, floor, room, cabinet and outlet identifier for inclusion in handover documentation.
• Update marked-up drawings, outlet schedules, cable records and test-result registers to provide an accurate as-installed record.
• Safely remove, replace or reroute redundant and defective cabling while maintaining continuity of live services.
• Carry out visual quality inspections, snagging and remedial works before presenting completed areas for client acceptance.
• Comply with site rules, risk assessments, method statements and permit-to-work procedures, and maintain a professional standard of conduct at all times.
• Proven practical experience installing, terminating, testing and fault-finding structured copper cabling systems.
• Strong knowledge of Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A components, installation practices and performance requirements; Cat7 experience is advantageous where relevant to the project specification.
• Competence in terminating RJ45 modules and patch panels to the specified T568A or T568B wiring scheme.
• Demonstrable experience using Fluke DSX-series or equivalent certification equipment, including selecting test limits, interpreting results and exporting reports.
• Ability to read and work accurately from floor plans, technical drawings, cable schedules, rack elevations and patching schematics.
• Experience building and dressing communications cabinets to a high standard, with logical cable management and clear labelling.
• Working knowledge of cable containment, separation from power services, bend-radius control, fire stopping and good housekeeping.
• Ability to identify practical cable routes, raise clashes or access constraints promptly and agree solutions with the site supervisor or project manager.
• Strong fault-finding skills and a methodical approach to diagnosing failed links or intermittent connectivity.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to complete test records, progress updates and as-installed documentation accurately.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and collaborate effectively as part of a wider project team.
• Valid ECS or CSCS card appropriate to the work environment; IPAF and PASMA certification where access equipment is required.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites, where required.
• Ability to provide the Project Lead with regular progress updates and promptly identify and upscale any potential risks.
• Installation, termination or testing of fibre-optic cabling.
• Experience working in live retail, office, hospitality, warehouse or industrial locations.
• Knowledge of manufacturer warranty requirements and structured-cabling quality-assurance processes.
• Experience supervising small teams, coordinating works with other trades or completing site surveys.
• Work may include early starts, evenings, nights or weekends to suit client operations and project programmes.
• Willingness to work away from home when required to meet operational and project needs.
• The role may involve working at height, in ceiling voids, under raised floors and within active communications rooms.
• Engineers must provide or use appropriate tools, test equipment and personal protective equipment as directed.
• Any installation risk, design conflict, damaged service or variation must be reported promptly before work continues.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities, subject to the terms of the role.
• Ongoing technical training and professional development.
• A supportive, safety-focused and well-organised working environment.
• Opportunities to work on varied commercial installations and develop broader cabling expertise.