Commissioning Engineer - ELV Systems

Job Purpose

• Commissioning & Testing

• Plan and execute site commissioning activities for fire alarm systems, emergency/exit lighting, and fire life safety (FLS) systems in accordance with project specifications and relevant codes.
• Develop and implement comprehensive test plans, FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) and SAT (Site Acceptance Test) procedures, and commissioning checklists.
• Perform functional tests, integration tests, and system diagnostics; record and report test results, defects, and corrective actions.

• Installation Verification & Quality Assurance

• Inspect installation workmanship and verify compliance with design drawings, wiring schematics, and installation standards.
• Ensure cable integrity, terminations, labelling, and system topology are correct prior to energisation.
• Coordinate with site QA/QC teams to close non-conformances and maintain comprehensive commissioning records.

• Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with project managers, design engineers, electrical contractors, and third-party vendors to schedule commissioning activities and resolve technical issues.
• Provide technical guidance to installation teams and supervise subcontractor commissioning work when required.
• Attend progress meetings and provide regular commissioning status updates and risk mitigation actions.

• Documentation & Handover

• Prepare and maintain commissioning documentation including test reports, punch lists, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and configuration files.
• Ensure full system handover to client or operations team with necessary training, certificates, and compliance documentation.
• Maintain version control of technical documents and ensure all records meet company and regulatory requirements.

• Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure systems meet applicable standards and regulations (e.g., local fire codes, EN/BS standards, and other relevant statutory requirements).
• Identify opportunities for improvements in commissioning procedures, testing methodologies, and installation practices.
• Keep up to date with industry best practice, product developments, and changes to standards affecting ELV life-safety systems.

**Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**

• Commissioning Completion Rate: Percentage of systems commissioned and handed over on schedule.
• First-time Pass Rate: Percentage of systems passing SAT with no major defects.
• Punch-list Closure Time: Average time to resolve commissioning defects and close punch-list items.
• Documentation Accuracy: Completeness and correctness of handover documentation and test reports.
• Compliance Record: Zero major non-compliances during inspections and audits.

Qualifications & Requirements

• ****Education****
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent technical qualification.

Experience

• 3–7 years’ experience commissioning, testing, or supervising installation of ELV life-safety systems such as fire alarm, emergency/exit lighting and FLS.
• Proven experience with site commissioning, FAT/SAT procedures, and system integration on medium to large projects.
• Experience working with contractors and multidisciplinary project teams on construction sites.
• ****Technical Skills****
• Sound knowledge of fire alarm systems, emergency lighting systems, detection devices, control panels, and notification appliances.
• Familiarity with wiring practices, circuit testing, relay logic, and basic networking for ELV systems.
• Knowledge of relevant UK and international standards (e.g., BS 5839, BS 5266, EN standards) and statutory requirements for fire safety systems.
• Proficiency in producing and interpreting as-built drawings, loop drawings, and system configuration documentation.
• ****Soft Skills****
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with clients, contractors and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure on site, and travel between project locations.
• Committed to safety, quality and delivering a professional service.

Desirable Qualifications & Certifications

• Professional certification in fire systems, commissioning, or electrical testing (desirable).
• Training or certification in fire risk assessment, emergency lighting design, or relevant product manufacturer courses.
• Experience with commissioning software tools and handheld testing instruments.
• ****Working Conditions****
• Site-based role with regular travel to project locations; may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet commissioning schedules.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to site safety procedures is mandatory.