Reactive Engineer

LOCATION: Pier Walk, London

SHIFT PATTERN: 4on4off, 42 hours per week

SALARY: Competitive

If you require any additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact our Recruitment Department at (email address removed) . We're here to help!

Job Purpose 

The Mechanical Reactive Engineer provides a critical role in maintaining the safety, reliability, and operational integrity of mechanical and HVAC plant across the TfL Estate. Working within live stations, tunnels, and operational facilities, the role focuses on rapid fault diagnosis and repair of mechanical systems, ensuring minimal disruption to services while maintaining the highest standards of safety and statutory compliance.

Key Responsibilities 

Reactive Maintenance & Fault Response 

• Provide reactive maintenance and emergency response to mechanical and HVAC faults across the TfL Estate 

• Diagnose, repair, and reinstate mechanical plant safely and efficiently during live operational conditions 

• Prioritise breakdowns in line with safety risk and service impact 

• Liaise with control rooms, supervisors, and specialist contractors as required 

Mechanical & HVAC Systems 

Reactive maintenance and repair of: 

• Air conditioning systems (VRV/VRF and split systems) 

• Chilled water systems including chillers, pumps, pipework, valves, and pressurisation units 

• Ventilation plant, AHUs, extract and supply systems 

• Tunnel ventilation and smoke control systems, including jet fans

• Associated mechanical components such as motors, fans, belts, actuators, and dampers 

Safety-Critical Working (TfL Focus) 

• Work strictly in accordance with TfL Safety Management Systems, LU / TfL engineering standards, and site rules 

• Adhere to Permit to Work, Isolation, LOTO, and Safe Systems of Work procedures 

• Carry out dynamic risk assessments during reactive and emergency tasks 

• Maintain constant awareness of working in:  

• Live stations 

• Tunnels 

• Confined spaces 

• Fire- and life-safety–critical environments 

• Immediately raise and report safety concerns, defects, or near misses through TfL reporting systems 

Shift Operations 

• Work a rotating 4 days on / 4 days off shift pattern to support 24/7 operations 

• Undertake effective shift handovers, ensuring continuity and risk awareness 

• Respond to out-of-hours incidents and plant failures during allocated shifts 

Compliance & Documentation 

• Ensure all works comply with:  

• Health & Safety at Work Act 

• COSHH, F-Gas regulations 

• TfL engineering and environmental standards 

• Accurately record all reactive works, fault findings, and remedial actions using CAFM systems 

• Provide clear technical feedback and defect reports to support asset management 

Operational & Team Support 

• Assist with planned maintenance activities when required 

• Support plant testing, functional checks, and recommissioning post-repair 

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping within plant rooms and work areas 

Qualifications (Essential) 

• City & Guilds Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering / HVAC / Building Services (or equivalent) 

• F-Gas Category 1 certification 

• Relevant health & safety training (e.g. Safe Systems of Work, PTW awareness) 

Desirable 

• City & Guilds Level 3 in Mechanical / HVAC Services 

• Confined Space Awareness 

• Asbestos Awareness 

• Fire Safety or Tunnel Safety Training 

Skills & Experience 

Essential 

• Proven experience in reactive mechanical maintenance within complex or safety-critical environments 

• Strong HVAC fault-finding capability 

• Experience working with chilled water, VRV/VRF, split AC, and ventilation systems 

• Understanding of working under permit and isolation procedures 

• Ability to work independently during shifts and emergency situations 

Desirable 

• Experience working on TfL, rail, tunnel, or transport infrastructure 

• Knowledge of tunnel ventilation and smoke control systems 

• Familiarity with CAFM systems and electronic job logging 

Personal Attributes 

• Safety-driven with strong situational awareness 

• Calm and methodica