Mechanical & Electrical Technician

Thames Water; Orpington; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utilities provider in Orpington is seeking a Mechanical & Electrical Technician to perform maintenance on equipment. The role involves investigating failures, providing technical advice, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Candidates should have significant electrical and mechanical experience with relevant qualifications. This position offers base earnings up to £45,000 plus standby and overtime opportunities.

Benefits

Annual Leave: 24 days increasing to 28

Contributory pension up to 6%

Annual Personal Medical Assessments

Physiotherapy access for musculoskeletal issues

Qualifications

• Time-served apprenticeship or significant experience in electrical systems.
• Upskilled with a mechanical qualification.
• Knowledge of health and safety issues is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Investigate plant failures and carry out repairs quickly.
• Provide technical advice and support trainees.
• Work on various mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Complete statutory checks and work safely.

Skills

Electrical systems expertise

Mechanical engineering knowledge

Health and safety knowledge

Ability to work in confined spaces

Valid driving license

Education

ONC/HNC in engineering

City & Guilds Level 3 in mechanical engineering

Tools

PLCs

Variable Speed Drives

Chemical handling equipment

Job description

Overview

Mechanical & Electrical Technician required to join the Water Operations team at our Orpington WTW. You will work in a multi-disciplinary team and perform scheduled, unscheduled and emergency maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment in compliance with company procedures to minimise plant breakdown. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to Thames Water by performing front-line activities including operation, testing, routine checks, maintenance and problem-solving to ensure work is delivered to time, cost and quality standards. This will include planned and preventative maintenance to support plant operation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate plant failures and carry out repairs quickly and efficiently to avoid process interruptions. May involve diagnosing complex faults and performing repairs during incidents.
• Provide technical advice, refer to up-to-date knowledge, and train or support technical trainees if required.
• Work on equipment such as motors, gearboxes, screw/chain conveyors & centrifuges, pumps, control gear, 3-phase motors, starters and controls, electronic control systems (VSDs, automatic valves, flow, level and pressure measurement), PLCs, variable speed drives and controls, chemical handling and dosing equipment.
• Complete statutory checks as required.
• Always work safely and comply with Health and Safety guidance and procedures.
• Be prepared to be trained on the water treatment process.

What you should bring to the role – Qualifications

• Time-served apprenticeship or significant experience in electrical systems in a true multi-skilled capacity. Previous experience in an electrical apprenticeship.
• ONC/HNC in engineering, NVQ or City & Guilds Level 3 in mechanical engineering with an upskill qualification in mechanical NVQ2/3 and 18th Edition.
• Upskilled with a mechanical qualification to inspect, maintain, fault diagnose, test, install, modify or repair mechanical and electrical plant equipment safely and efficiently.
• Knowledge of health and safety issues will be crucial.
• Ability to work in confined spaces with appropriate training completed.
• Valid driving licence is essential.

Base location & working pattern

Base Location: Orpington, Kent – BR6 0SQ.

Working Pattern: 38 hours Monday–Friday, 07:30 to 15:36. Standby rota payments and overtime opportunities can increase earnings by up to £8,000–£10,000 per annum upon completion of essential company training.

What’s in it for you?

• Potential overall package earnings up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Standby rota payments & overtime opportunities up to £8,000–£10,000 per annum after training.
• Performance-related pay plan linked to company targets.
• Annual Leave: 24 days, increasing to 28 with length of service plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution – employee contribution up to 6%.
• Annual Personal Medical Assessments.
• Access to Physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal issues (work-related or not).
• Wider benefits including our benefits hub and WeCare with 24-hour GP hotline.

Who are we?

We are the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving more than 16 million customers. We are committed to building a better future for customers, communities, people and the planet, and we seek passionate and skilled people to help us achieve our goals.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work where you can make a difference. We offer meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you are pursuing a sustainable and successful career, we’ll support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

We are committed to being a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and will provide adjustments if needed during the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, please let us know so we can help.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.