Smart meter engineers install, maintain and repair dual fuel (gas and electric) smart meters in residential, commercial and industrial premises.

The Work

You could be:

• installing, maintaining and repairing low and medium pressure gas smart meters
• installing, maintaining and repairing single or multi-phase electric smart meters
• installing, maintaining and repairing smart meter communication units
• safely removing old style meters and replacing them with smart meters
• using computerised fault-finding equipment
• attending emergency call outs and carrying out testing or repair work
• using a range of tools and equipment
• recording parts used, required and work completed, possibly using a laptop
• explaining to customers how smart metering systems work.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary for an apprentice trainee smart meter engineer with an energy company could be around £16,000, rising up to £25,500 over the first year. Once qualified this rises to around £38,500 a year. With experience, this can rise to £45,000 a year, sometimes more. There are usually other benefits, such as company pension and bonus schemes.

Conditions

• Smart meter engineers work mainly in private homes or on business premises.
• You would work out in the field, travelling around to different clients’ premises.
• Hours of work vary. You might have to start early in the morning, work in the evening and sometimes be on call for emergencies.
• You might have to work in confined spaces and do a lot of lifting, bending and kneeling. You may be exposed to dust and fumes.
• You may occasionally have to work outside and sometimes at heights.
• You usually have to wear overalls or a uniform.
• You may have to do some heavy lifting.

Useful Subjects

• Engineering (SCQF Level 6)
• Engineering Science
• Practical Electronics
• SfW Energy
• SfW Engineering Skills

Getting In

• You usually start by looking for a position with an energy company.  All major energy suppliers support the National Skills Academy for Power (NSAP) Smart Metering scheme through the Ofgem approved Smart Meter Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP).
• For entry, you normally need subjects at National 5 including English and Maths.
• Certain colour vision conditions may affect entry to this job.
• You will need a full UK driving licence.
• Because you will be working in individual homes, you will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

You might work for an energy supplier or a company that provides energy services. Vacancies may be advertised on energy supplier websites or recruitment websites.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2025

22023

1.9 %

RISE

2030

22446

  United Kingdom

2025

202896

2.6 %

RISE

2030

208187

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• good practical skills
• numerical and IT skills
• an accurate, methodical approach and an eye for detail
• good communication skills
• a responsible attitude
• an awareness of health and safety issues
• a reasonable level of fitness
• excellent customer service skills.

You need to be able to:

• solve problems
• follow technical plans and diagrams
• listen and ask questions to get the right information
• work alone and in a team
• make decisions and take responsibility.

Training

• You would need to undergo specific training depending on the type of work you do: Gas, Electric or Dual Fuel. This includes CMA1, CCN1, MET1 and MOCoPA Single Phased qualifications.
• You must keep up to date with new developments throughout your working life.

Getting On

• With experience, you may move on to a supervisory job, particularly if you work for one of the larger organisations.
• You may move into management later.
• You may complete further qualifications to move into a related area, such as plumbing and heating, electrical distribution or energy assessment.
• You could become self-employed.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.