Role Purpose
CBRE GWS is seeking a competent and safety-conscious Portable Appliance Test (PAT) Engineer to deliver in-service inspection and testing of portable and transportable electrical equipment across a critical environments, life sciences facility. The role ensures all electrical appliances on site are safe, compliant, and correctly documented, supporting the site's electrical safety programme, statutory compliance, and continuity of critical scientific operations.
This is a hands-on, site-based role requiring strict adherence to site access protocols, contamination control procedures, and CBRE & client health & safety standards specific to a heavily regulated life sciences environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out visual inspection and electrical testing of portable, movable, and IT equipment in accordance with the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (5th Edition) and relevant British Standards.
- Plan and prioritise testing schedules across labs, offices, plant rooms, and GXP areas, minimising disruption to critical operations and scientific programmes.
- Apply correct pass/fail criteria; label, tag, and record results accurately using CAFM system or client-specified database.
- Identify, report, and quarantine defective or unsafe equipment; ensure timely removal from service and communicate findings to equipment owners and report to manager.
- Maintain full traceability of test records, asset registers, and certification for audit and compliance purposes (CBRE audits and UKHSA regulatory inspections as applicable to site).
- Liaise with lab users, facility teams, and departmental leads to arrange access to equipment with minimal disruption to research, or other critical processes.
- Adhere to all site-specific access, gowning, contamination control, and biosafety/COSHH procedures required to work within controlled and classified environments (e.g. cleanrooms, containment labs).
- Work within CBRE's Safe System of Work framework; complete risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for testing activities.
- Report faults, near misses, and hazards through CBRE's reporting systems; contribute to a positive safety culture.
- Ensure calibration equipment is taken to calibration, when requested for annual calibration.
- If required, support wider electrical compliance activities, including fixed wire testing support, asset audits, and general electrical maintenance tasks under supervision of qualified electricians where applicable.
- Complete all associated administration: test certificates, defect logs, KPI/SLA reporting, and client compliance documentation.
Person Specification
Essential
- Relevant PAT testing qualification, e.g. City & Guilds 2377-22 (Portable Appliance Testing) or equivalent recognised qualification.
- Working knowledge of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
- Demonstrable experience carrying out PAT testing in a commercial, industrial, or regulated environment.
- Understanding of basic electrical safety principles, risk assessment, and safe isolation procedures.
- Comfortable working in a highly regulated, audited environment with strict documentation and traceability requirements.
- Good IT literacy — comfortable using CAFM/asset management systems, tablets, and digital reporting tools.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work methodically and independently.
- Good communication skills — able to liaise professionally with scientists, lab managers, and client stakeholders.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain site security clearance (e.g. BPSS/SC).
Desirable
- Experience working within life sciences, pharmaceutical, GMP, or critical environments (labs, cleanrooms, data centres).
- Basic electrical qualification (e.g. Level 2/3 Electrical Installation, 18th Edition) beyond core PAT competency.
- Familiarity with COSHH, biosafety, or contamination control procedures relevant to lab/cleanroom access.
- Experience working under Permit to Work systems within a regulated or government sites.
- Previous experience with CBRE or another FM/critical environments service provider.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Must complete site-specific induction prior to unsupervised work.
- Must comply with all CBRE and client HSE policies, Safe Systems of Work, and RAMS relevant to electrical testing activities.
- Responsible for correct use, maintenance, and storage of PAT testing equipment and PPE.
- Required to report all incidents, near misses, and equipment defects promptly.
- Subject to site vetting/security clearance.
Working Conditions
- Based on-site full time; role may require access to controlled/classified areas subject to security clearance and site training.
- May require occasional early/late working to minimise disruption to critical operations, labs, or manufacturing schedules.
- PPE and gowning requirements apply when accessing cleanroom/controlled environments.
Why Join CBRE GWS
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions delivers integrated facilities management across the world's most demanding critical environments. Joining the Critical Environments team offers the opportunity to work within a high-profile, highly regulated scientific facility, developing specialist compliance and engineering expertise while contributing directly to the safety and continuity of critical research and manufacturing operations.
- Opportunities for career development and training.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
