Junior Electrical Engineer/Technician
Location: Kane Engineering Ltd, Glenford Road, Newtownards, BT23 4AU
Hourly Rate: £12.84 – Moving to an initial £28k per annum after a probation period.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Application Deadline: 06 August 2026
About Kane Engineering Ltd:
With over 55 years of industry experience, Kane Engineering Ltd. is a trusted leader in the design, manufacture, and assembly of low-voltage electrical switchboards and control panels. Our products are supplied throughout the UK and Ireland, supporting the construction industry as well as specialist sectors including telecommunications, electricity substations, and EV charging infrastructure.
As a company, we are proud of our continued growth and our commitment to investing in people. We believe in developing talent from within, providing clear career pathways for individuals who are eager to learn and build a long-term career with us. Many of our current senior managers, Project Engineers and Production Team leaders began their journey as apprentices with Kane Engineering, some joining us as young as 16 years old. Their success reflects the opportunities available to those who are motivated, committed, and ready to grow.
Due to our continued expansion, we are looking to recruit a motivated and enthusiastic Junior Electrical Engineer/Technician to join our Engineering team. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this is an excellent opportunity for a recently qualified candidate (minimum Level 3 qualification) who is looking to develop a rewarding career in electrical engineering, testing, and project delivery within a well-established and forward-thinking manufacturing business.
If you are looking to join a company that values your development, supports your career ambitions, and offers genuine opportunities for progression, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role:
The Junior Electrical Engineer/Technician will support the design, manufacture, testing, and commissioning of low-voltage switchgear assemblies and control panels. Responsibilities include preparing electrical drawings, selecting components, assisting with panel assembly, conducting factory acceptance testing, maintaining engineering documentation, and ensuring compliance with IEC 61439 and customer specifications. Working closely with senior engineers and production teams, the role provides hands-on experience across electrical design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and technical problem-solving while contributing to the successful delivery of high-quality LV switchgear solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
· Assist in designing LV switchgear assemblies, distribution boards, and control panels.
· Prepare and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, single-line diagrams (SLDs), and general arrangement (GA) drawings.
· Support the selection of electrical components such as:
o Circuit breakers (ACBs, MCCBs, MCBs)
o Contactors and relays
o Busbars
o Protection relays
o Current transformers (CTs)
o Power supplies
· Assist production teams with interpreting engineering drawings.
· Provide technical support during panel assembly and wiring.
· Verify that switchgear is assembled according to design specifications.
· Resolve technical queries arising during manufacturing.
· Support factory acceptance testing (FAT) of completed switchgear assemblies.
· Carry out routine inspections and electrical testing, including:
o Continuity testing
o Insulation resistance testing
o Functional testing of control circuits
o Protection relay verification
o Phase rotation checks
· Record and analyse test results.
· Identify and assist in resolving non-conformances.
· Ensure products comply with relevant standards such as:
o IEC 61439 (Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies)
o BS EN standards (where applicable)
o Customer specifications
· Assist with quality inspections throughout manufacturing.
· Support corrective and preventive actions for manufacturing defects.
· Prepare bills of materials (BOMs).
· Update electrical drawings and as-built documentation.
· Produce test reports and inspection records.
· Maintain engineering documentation and revision control.
· Assist senior engineers with project execution from design through production.
· Coordinate with procurement to ensure correct components are available.
· Liaise with production, quality, and project teams to meet delivery schedules.
· Support customer technical queries where appropriate.
· Investigate wiring errors and assembly issues.
· Assist with diagnosing faults identified during factory testing.
· Recommend practical engineering solutions under the guidance of senior engineers.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
· Follow electrical safety procedures when working on live or energised equipment (where permitted).
· Ensure compliance with company quality management systems and health and safety policies.
· Maintain a safe and organised working environment.
About You:
Essential Requirements:
· Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Ability to interpret and process technical information accurately.
· Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
· Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively.
· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
· Full UK driving licence.
· Reliable with excellent time management and attendance.
Desirable Skills:
· Experience using Excel, AutoCAD or other CAD software.
· Knowledge of Electrical design software Ie. SolidWorks & SEE Electrical.
· Previous experience within electrical manufacturing, switchgear, or control panel design.
Training and Development:
This role is ideally suited to Level 3 qualified candidates aiming to progress onto a graduate qualification of Level 4 HNC, Level 5 HND. Previous industry experience is not essential.
Successful applicants without relevant practical experience will initially undertake a period of structured shop-floor training to develop an understanding of our products, manufacturing processes, and quality standards before progressing fully into, either of the following roles: Project/Design Engineer – Site Technician or Test Engineer.
Working Hours:
39 hours per week
· Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
· Friday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Lunch break: 1:00pm – 1:30pm (Monday to Thursday)
Salary & Benefits:
· Hourly Rate: £12.84 – Moving to an initial £28k per annum after a probation period.
· Company pension scheme
· Free on-site parking
· 29 days’ annual leave, including statutory holidays
· Opportunity for training and career development within a growing engineering company
If you are looking to begin your career in electrical engineering with a company committed to quality, innovation, and professional development, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
Kane Engineering is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability.
Pay: From £12.84 per hour
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
