Engineering Assistant (Commercial and Resources)

Atkins is one of the world’s most respected Design, Engineering and Project Management consultancies and is a member of the SNC-Lavalin group.

The Transportation business incorporates the Signalling and Communication Systems Practice which in turn includes the Testing and Commissioning Practice.

The Testing and Commissioning Team plays a vital role in our signalling projects, eager to grasp modern systems, processes and concepts, within the regulatory framework that we are required to work. We are seeking a motivated and organised individual to hold a key role and aid us in our ambitions.

You will need to be able to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to use initiative whilst working within a highly regulated environment.

You must be educated to at least A level (or equivalent) and have achieved at least 6 grade C GCSE or above in subjects including Mathematics, English and Science.

The role is a mix of commercial and administrative in nature and an education which includes good achievement in mathematics and IT based subject would be a definite advantage, as would training or experience in Project Management and / or Quantity Surveying.

A good working knowledge of software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint is essential as is the ability to be highly organised and be reactive to the needs of the team.

Do you have excellent organisation skills and the ability to communicate with staff at all levels?

Reporting to the Testing and Commissioning Practice Director, the work is primarily office based but periodically there may be a requirement to lodge away and to work unsocial hours. You must hold a full UK driving Licence.

A good understanding of Atkins finance, payroll, expenses, RMS and other systems would be an advantage.

Requirements

Of great importance to us in this role is the individual’s personality and aptitude:

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic individual with questioning nature
• Able to work independently and under own initiative within the guidelines provided and multi-task under pressure, solving problems and presenting solutions
• High level of confidence and excellent interpersonal skills
• Competent in problem evaluation, and able propose solutions to solve problems / improve processes
• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to produce consistently accurate documentation
• Able to question senior staff in a constructive way
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
• Commercial aptitude and knowledge of Atkins corporate commercial requirements, including PSRs and Enterprise Advantage
• Able to communicate and engage with Clients including resolving payment issues and queries
• Willing to work flexibly, efficiently and unsocial hours in support of the group commitments
• Understanding of Network Rail Signal Works Testing competencies and associated IRSE licence categories
• Trained or willing / able to be trained to Assistant Tester level
• Provision of cover for Regional EA/ARMs if required
• Provision of project Engineering Assistant support on commissionings and at other times, as required
• Undertake Fire Warden and First Aid at Work Duties if required
• Current Driving Licence


Responsibilities

• Assessment of current systems and processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for better use of modern systems
• Challenging of pre-conceived opinions and ideas held on the right way to approach tasks
• Proposal of and evaluation of solutions to issues identified
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of new and existing testing facilities, systems and databases
• Support testing management teams with Paperless Testing, document control, test log databases, maintaining progress trackers, etc, during commissionings and as required at other times.
• Assist in the testing of signalling equipment to meet contract specifications, performance and safety parameters.
• Undertake timesheet, corporate card and expenses checking
• Undertake timesheet and expenses inputting
• Assist with estimate / bid preparation for large projects
• Undertake estimate / bid preparation for smaller projects
• Assist with project management and commercial activities in support of the Practice Director, including preparation and review of PSRs and EA
• Assist in all administration and support of the testing group as necessary
• Provide estimates and arrange billing of clients
• Liaison with the testing team to confirm availability for shifts, and advise on allocation to projects
• Carry out production of resourcing documentation independently depending upon experience
• Assist with allocation of resources to projects
• Input resource details into RMS, spreadsheets and / or databases
• Liaison with the testing team to identify accommodation and travel requirements, and advise on arrangements made.
• Organise travel and hotel accommodation arrangements as requested.
• Assist in all administration and support of the resourcing team
• Support testing management teams with Paperless Testing, document control, Test Log databases, maintaining progress trackers, etc, during commissionings and as required at other times.
• Co-operate with quality, safety, and environmental objectives and contribute where appropriate, to Atkins rail commitment for continual improvement.
• Progress individual knowledge and skills to promote advancement.
• Co-operate with quality, safety, and environmental objectives and contribute where appropriate, to Atkins commitment for continual improvement.
• Co-operate with performance appraisals, attend training courses and maintain IRSE logbook to the required standard
• Progress individual knowledge and skills to promote advancement

Training

Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

Rewards and Benefits

Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package.

Right to Work

The UK Government have taken steps to reduce net migration to the UK by limiting the number of overseas workers from outside the EEA coming to the UK for employment. Please note that whilst we are able to consider applications from overseas workers from outside the EEA (who require a Tier 2 (General) visa) we can only employ them if we can provide evidence that there are no other suitable candidates for this vacancy from inside the EEA.
Atkins recognises that there are many well qualified people who are looking to the further their career in engineering, but who cannot commit to full time employment. We support flexible working arrangements and are interested to discuss how we can accommodate individual requirements. We are passionate about collaborative working. Our people build lasting relationships.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary it will be discussed with you at interview.

If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.