Multi-skilled engineers are great problem-solvers who enjoy diagnosing and finding solutions for a wide range of mechanical and electrical problems. In particular, multi-skilled engineer jobs typically offer a great deal of variety - different equipment, different problems for different people in different locations. It is a great role for those who like using both their hands and their wits, who are naturally inquisitive about how everything works, and who love to please others by solving their problems.
It is almost impossible to list all the things that a multi-skilled engineer might have an opportunity to work on. There are many roles for them in property management, plant maintenance and commercial appliance repairs. While you will have a sound general background in mechanical and electrical engineering, success in multi-skilled engineer jobs has less to do with education than with competence. There are too many machines in the world to be familiar with every one, so the ability to figure out how things work on the fly is what matters, even when they are unfamiliar.
Each job is different, so our task at PRS is to match your skills and interests with the requirements and opportunities provided by prospective employers. Job descriptions often specify some skill, experience or interest in areas such as refrigeration, HVAC, alarm systems, appliance repairs, mechanical repairs, pneumatics, hydraulics, engines, electrical panels, or instrument calibration. Some basic IT skills are always helpful.
Most employers offering multi-skilled engineer jobs will expect some formal qualifications relevant to their sector (C&G, NVQ, HND) but wide experience and versatility are equally important. You may be asked to design and build electrical panels, install or modify plant equipment, plan reliability centred maintenance schedules, conduct PAT testing or improve safety standards.
Occasionally, if you are happy to undertake some carpentry and general building repairs, you will find that many employers, especially SMEs, will greatly appreciate your versatility. Companies are always delighted when they can source all their needs from within a single problem-solving team.
Personal qualities
The ideal personal qualities for a multi-skilled engineer include good schedule management, proactive identification of potential issues, and speedy issue resolution to minimise downtime. An eye for continual efficiency improvements and opportunities to cut operating costs will also serve you well. Some of the other features of the ideal multi-skilled engineer include flexibility in work hours - because some breakdowns are urgent and equipment is often vital to the wellbeing of service providers and their clients.
At some point, your duties are also likely to include training other engineers or inducting production operators in how to use newly installed equipment, so personal skills and teamwork abilities are also important in this role.
The demand for multi-skilled engineers is strong, but finding the ideal placement is often a challenge in such a diverse sector. We work hard to place you in the ideal company to help you develop your skills and long-term aspirations, and we also support our engineers in areas such as career development, relocation, tax concerns (such as IR35), work permits, pensions and insurance advice.
Whatever your educational and work history, if multi-skilled engineer jobs appeal, we want to hear from you.
