Job here: Please look - Offer feedback if you like

[Diagro]

Hey,

I am working at a small start up, valued well into the millions already within the first 18 months.

We (I) need a new member to join the team to work with myself.

Ideally looking for a graduate or someone who's been within industry for a couple of years.
This job is pretty much brand new, no where else will have you doing what we are.
I know I wont find anyone who's a perfect fit. But I'm hoping to find someone who's able to understand it on the most part and is open to learn and develop. Research is a big part of what I do.
We are working closely with a London based Uni's AI dept to create brand new Industry first NN, all very exciting stuff.

Here is a job specification. Please offer any words if you want to as well.

Company Description:
** is an innovative data analytics company that is driving C02 reduction and predictive maintenance in multiple industrial and renewable power generation sectors. We work with some of the UK’s most respected computing institutions to deliver a sophisticated electrical data analytics service to our clients. We are a fast-growing UK based company who are changing the way large operators of processing plants and power generation approach the use their equipment.

Job Description:
We are looking for an individual who is keen to join an innovative, young company which is growing and developing quickly. The role is for an Integration Engineer who can work alongside the head of the development team to deliver key applications.
• Work closely with the Head Of Integration & Development
• Work on projects that involve renewable energy
• Work with high voltage power systems (desktop), involving Motors, Transformers, Cables and protection relays
• Be exposed to LV and HV projects
• Design electrical data capture systems
• Read design specifications and technical drawings – Single Line Diagrams etc..
• Carry out research into suitable solutions and be able to estimate costs and timescales
• Work closely with others members of the technical team
• Attend scheduled meetings
• Design and conduct tests on equipment from the “bench” within the office
• Analyse test data
• Propose modifications based on tests results
• Prepare product documentation, write reports, and give presentations
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Degree level qualification relating to Electrical Engineering.
Minimum of a 2:1 is desirable.
Or Equivalent experience within industry.
PREFERRED SKILLS
• Critical thinker
• Keen attention to detail
• Experience with Scrum / Agile methodologies
• Ability to see a project through from start to finish
• Good multitasker
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Understand what makes a good user experience
• Good at delivering detailed presentations in person and over Teams / Zoom platforms
• Proficient with power systems analysis software
• Proficient with office software such as Word, Excel, Outlook

• Good with conversing with other professionals such as Data analysists, software developers, other electrical engineers and AI and ML researchers.
• Have an understanding of networking protocols

· Working Hours
· Flexible working hours.
· Must be flexible to work outside of normal working hours in busy periods or during large projects
· Must be flexible to join meetings with workers within other time zones (AUS, US)
· Minimum of 4 days a week at the company offices in Hinckley, Leicestershire. (Potentially less, dependent on work load and type of work on the go)
· 25 days holiday/annum
Salary
Starting £32.5k, to rise for right candidate.
3 Month probationary period

 

[A2Z]

Feedback: state the salary!

Did you not read https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/job-advertisements-why-do-they-do-it.18937553/

Nothing worse than a job advert with the ridiculous "Salary is negotiable based on qualifications / experience." instead of a figure.

Even if I was a perfect fit for the role I would not be applying, due to no salary listed.

 

[Josh]

Agree with A2Z, even a vague band would suffice £30-£45k etc etc

 

[dlockers]

Sounds like a general dogs body that would have guaranteed progression and a high starting salary in any decent grad scheme. Hopefully you can compete and aren't just saying "small start up" as a synonym for "family business with no progression"

 

[Diagro]

Sounds like a general dogs body that would have guaranteed progression and a high starting salary in any decent grad scheme. Hopefully you can compete and aren't just saying "small start up" as a synonym for "family business with no progression"

5 people, looking for up to 20 by end of 2022... Its only been going for 18 months.

 

[dlockers]

5 people, looking for up to 20 by end of 2022... Its only been going for 18 months.

Any reason you've not shared salary? The skills you are after, you must be competing with the big firms somehow.

 

[Diagro]

Any reason you've not shared salary? The skills you are after, you must be competing with the big firms somehow.

Added it.
Mainly because I was waiting for it from director.

 

[dlockers]

Added it.
Mainly because I was waiting for it from director.

32k is competitive with the best 'tech' grad schemes out there. I'd avoid the mention of the possible increase of 42k as it isn't necessary IMO.

I'd include something about career or salary progression as the big firms will be ~50k in 2-3 years.

Some of the other points about working hours I'd be a bit more vague but reference the general theme - right now tis positioned like 'the hours are aweful because....' when grads may prefer 'dynamic international teams where you balance your work load/manage priorities'.

 

[Diagro]

32k is competitive with the best 'tech' grad schemes out there. I'd avoid the mention of the possible increase of 42k as it isn't necessary IMO.

I'd include something about career or salary progression as the big firms will be ~50k in 2-3 years.

Some of the other points about working hours I'd be a bit more vague but reference the general theme - right now tis positioned like 'the hours are aweful because....' when grads may prefer 'dynamic international teams where you balance your work load/manage priorities'.

I'll sort it out when I'm home.

Thanks for the advice

 

[NickK]

Company Description:
** is an innovative data analytics company that is driving C02 reduction and predictive maintenance in multiple industrial and renewable power generation sectors. We work with some of the UK’s most respected computing institutions to deliver a sophisticated electrical data analytics service to our clients. We are a fast-growing UK based company who are changing the way large operators of processing plants and power generation approach the use their equipment.

Job Description:
We are looking for an individual who is keen to join an innovative, young company which is growing and developing quickly. The role is for an Integration Engineer who can work alongside the head of the development team to deliver key applications.
• Work closely with the Head Of Integration & Development
• Work on projects that involve renewable energy
• Work with high voltage power systems (desktop), involving Motors, Transformers, Cables and protection relays
• Be exposed to LV and HV projects
• Design electrical data capture systems
• Read design specifications and technical drawings – Single Line Diagrams etc..
• Carry out research into suitable solutions and be able to estimate costs and timescales
• Work closely with others members of the technical team
• Attend scheduled meetings
• Design and conduct tests on equipment from the “bench” within the office
• Analyse test data
• Propose modifications based on tests results
• Prepare product documentation, write reports, and give presentations
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Degree level qualification relating to Electrical Engineering.
Minimum of a 2:1 is desirable.
Or Equivalent experience within industry.
PREFERRED SKILLS
• Critical thinker
• Keen attention to detail
• Experience with Scrum / Agile methodologies
• Ability to see a project through from start to finish
• Good multitasker
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Understand what makes a good user experience
• Good at delivering detailed presentations in person and over Teams / Zoom platforms
• Proficient with power systems analysis software
• Proficient with office software such as Word, Excel, Outlook

• Good with conversing with other professionals such as Data analysists, software developers, other electrical engineers and AI and ML researchers.
• Have an understanding of networking protocols

· Working Hours
· Flexible working hours.
· Must be flexible to work outside of normal working hours in busy periods or during large projects
· Must be flexible to join meetings with workers within other time zones (AUS, US)
· Minimum of 4 days a week at the company offices in Hinckley, Leicestershire. (Potentially less, dependent on work load and type of work on the go)
· 25 days holiday/annum
Salary
Starting £32.5k, to rise for right candidate.
3 Month probationary period

Some feedback.
1. If HV is involved then perhaps a preferred certification or a declaration that the company would assist the applicant to become HV certified on the job. Kilovolt systems kill on the bench (for a hobby I have a 640Vdc tube amp design and that's scary enough).

2. The role seems to then have a preference in having worked with ML/AI researchers AND networking protocols.. this seems to have a lot for someone fresh with <2 years experience. Also need to be clear on which protocols - there's a lot of networking out there (Assumption is this is embedded IP? is there anything like CANBUS or other industry standard protocols?).

3. £32K is good for <2 year and doesn't seem to be taking the proverbial.

4. Working hours - what is the contracted hours? Flexible could mean working 24/7. What is considered overtime?

 

[Diagro]

Some feedback.
1. If HV is involved then perhaps a preferred certification or a declaration that the company would assist the applicant to become HV certified on the job. Kilovolt systems kill on the bench (for a hobby I have a 640Vdc tube amp design and that's scary enough).

2. The role seems to then have a preference in having worked with ML/AI researchers AND networking protocols.. this seems to have a lot for someone fresh with <2 years experience. Also need to be clear on which protocols - there's a lot of networking out there (Assumption is this is embedded IP? is there anything like CANBUS or other industry standard protocols?).

3. £32K is good for <2 year and doesn't seem to be taking the proverbial.

4. Working hours - what is the contracted hours? Flexible could mean working 24/7. What is considered overtime?

1.
I will look into expanding the HV point.
The job doesn't actually involve touching or being anywhere near HV systems.
Only looking and working on HV integration into projects. (looking at SLD's for example)
I'm working on HV data collection upwards of 60Kv. But I've only set foot into substations set at 11kv or below. (new worker will NOT be expected to enter a substation at all)

2.
Its more of a desirable thing really. We do have dedicated data scientists, but its beneficial to have someone who understands(ish) the bits within meetings.
Network Protocols.. Yea, i see your point. Nothing too bad.. Just standard TCP/IP. There are some more specific protocols.. such as MODBUS, Profibus, IEC61850, DNP3... all standard stuff though.

3.
£32k is more than what the Directors wanted to offer for a "fresh" person to be honest. For clarity... The job is for someone to take on some of my work load as we onboard more clients. I'm on 48k.

4.
9-5pm contracted. Flexible here means being able to move those around. We have people in AUS or US who we need to be available for for meetings.
But that's generally only moving the start time to 7am on some days. (can be done from home)..
No overtime written in the contract.

Thanks for the feedback, my first time looking for people to do a job.

 

[Diagro]

?

?

We've gone back to the drawing board, really thought about what we need.
Here is a new Job Spec (Salary not finalised yet, but along the lines 35-38 starting) Please offer any views.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are looking for an individual who is keen to join an innovative, young company which is growing and developing quickly. The role is for an IoT Software Engineer to work within the Technical Integration team, to deliver key client applications.
• Work closely with others members of the commercial and technical team
• Work with client, internal electrical and hardware teams to finalise designs of clients technical solutions. Member of the Offering Committee – preparing technical proposals and solution design in line with customer requirements
• Once design has been set by internal team you will have a key role within the solution process and technical deployment, along with customer integration
• Responsible for definition of internal software to extract required data
• Oversee discussions with client over their communication restrictions and management of pre-programmed IOT connectivity
• Monitor uptime of systems deployed at client locations
• Initiate continuous improvement actions within his/her area of responsibility
• Develop innovative methods within company internal software to support hardware platform and data extraction.
• Design & create software user interfaces for upcoming IoT projects
• Design & create back end systems for IoT devices, linking sensors to MQTT data extraction
• Analyse test data and identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Propose product modifications, new products and process changes based on tests results
• Prepare necessary documentations about daily operation activities, customer solutions, products and change request, write reports
• Write up installation documentation
• Update internal documentation
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Degree level qualification relating to Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics etc.
Minimum of a 2:1 is desirable.
Or Equivalent experience within industry.
PREFERRED SKILLS
• Thorough understanding of principles of both software and computer engineering
• Programming skills using C#, .NET, JavaScript…
• Good understanding of IoT Networking Protocols, MQTT etc..
• Managing customer technical projects and accounts
• Critical thinker
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to see a project through from start to finish
• Good multitasker
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Understand what makes a good user experience
• Proficient with office software such as Word, Excel, Outlook
• Good with conversing with other professionals such as Data analysists, software developers, other electrical engineers and AI and ML researchers.
WORKING HOURS
• 35-40 hrs. per week. Working hours can be negotiated alongside pay
• Must be flexible to work outside of these hours in busy periods or during large projects
• Must be flexible to join meetings with workers within other time zones
• Minimum of 3 days a week at the company offices
• Access to Company share options
• 25 days holiday/annum
SALARY
• Salary is negotiable based on qualifications / experience.
Notes:
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

 

[BF-Bert]

Is the minimum holiday entitlement not 28 days?

 

[Ev0]

Is the minimum holiday entitlement not 28 days?

The 28 days can include bank holidays, so if the company gives those off that counts towards the 28 days holiday entitlement.

 

[Diagro]

Is the minimum holiday entitlement not 28 days?

The 25 days is in addition to bank holidays

 

[dowie]

Personally, I'd try and cut the wall of text you've got with all those bullet points, you don't need to list every mundane part of the role. Try to delete at least half of it if not more.

Likewise, the preferred skills has generic filler stuff too like:

• Managing customer technical projects and accounts
• Critical thinker
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to see a project through from start to finish
• Good multitasker
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Stick to some key tangible skills you need for the role not generic fluff candidates are also prone to sticking in cover letters etc..

I just think you should be able to more concisely describe the role and put in a bit about the company, sell that to them, why they should the work for this company in particular.

 

[HangTime]

I agree, could do with some info on the company.

I would move Share options and Holiday out of WORKING HOURS to under SALARY (perhaps rename to SALARY & BENEFITS).
Generally the WORKING HOURS bit isn't that appealing, basically saying there isn't much WFH and you'll need to be working out of hours (a bad combination - I don't mind joining calls out of hours if I'm WFH, but it can mess up commuting schedules). I know you said above "can be done from home" but that's not mentioned in the job spec, so it is off-putting, straight away I'm thinking "I've gotta commute 3+ days a week, but I probably can't leave on time because there's a meeting with the US at 18:30 and I won't be home in time for that, so I'll have to stay late in the office, maybe I'll get home by 21:00 if I'm lucky". That said, I welcome the idea of hours being negotiable alongside pay i.e. getting paid more to work 40hrs instead of 35 (or more realistically, saying you'll only accept their best offer if it's officially 35hrs), this is often not transparent at all in job applications.

• Prepare necessary documentations about daily operation activities, customer solutions, products and change request, write reports
• Write up installation documentation
• Update internal documentation

You don't need three lines about documentation, condense that into one line

• Keen attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• ....
• analysists

 

[Diagro]

There is a whole company description section which I've omitted from here. Happy to disclose via Trust if people are interested.

I've also modified the bits you guys suggested.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Thorough understanding of principles of both software and computer engineering
• Programming skills using C#, .NET, JavaScript…
• Good understanding of IoT Networking Protocols, MQTT etc..
• Managing customer technical projects and accounts
• Understand what makes a good user experience
WORKING HOURS
• 35-40 hrs. per week. Working hours can be negotiated alongside pay
• Must be flexible to work outside of these hours in busy periods or during large projects
• Must be flexible to join meetings with workers within other time zones, from home or office.
• Minimum of 3 days a week at the company offices
• 25 days holiday/annum

Taken out 4 bullet points from the role too.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are looking for an individual who is keen to join an innovative, young company which is growing and developing quickly. The role is for an IoT Software Engineer to work within the Technical Integration team, to deliver key client applications.
• Work closely with others members of the commercial and technical team
• Work with client, internal electrical and hardware teams to finalise designs of clients technical solutions. Member of the Offering Committee – preparing technical proposals and solution design in line with customer requirements
• Once design has been set by internal team you will have a key role within the solution process and technical deployment, along with customer integration
• Oversee discussions with client over their communication restrictions and management of pre-programmed IOT connectivity
• Monitor uptime of systems deployed at client locations
• Design & create software user interfaces for upcoming IoT projects
• Design & create back end systems for IoT devices, linking sensors to MQTT data extraction
• Analyse test data and identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Propose product modifications, new products and process changes based on tests results
• Prepare necessary documentations about daily operation activities, customer solutions, products and change request, write reports

I agree, could do with some info on the company.

I would move Share options and Holiday out of WORKING HOURS to under SALARY (perhaps rename to SALARY & BENEFITS).
Generally the WORKING HOURS bit isn't that appealing, basically saying there isn't much WFH and you'll need to be working out of hours (a bad combination - I don't mind joining calls out of hours if I'm WFH, but it can mess up commuting schedules). I know you said above "can be done from home" but that's not mentioned in the job spec, so it is off-putting, straight away I'm thinking "I've gotta commute 3+ days a week, but I probably can't leave on time because there's a meeting with the US at 18:30 and I won't be home in time for that, so I'll have to stay late in the office, maybe I'll get home by 21:00 if I'm lucky".

I leave by 5:30pm most days. So will everyone else as I hold the keys. Its the Morning where we have meetings with the likes of AUS.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

• 35-40 hrs. per week. Working hours can be negotiated alongside pay

Fix the working time to something sensible (37.5hrs) and offer overtime or advertise it at a fixed 40hrs.

From a candidate's perspective, I'd imagine a lot of people will be put off with this vague line about working hours. I guarantee that it will be the first question someone will ask... so why make it harder for yourself?

Personally I'd delete the two lines about being flexible and replace it with "Ability to be flexible and accommodating in line with the needs of the business"

I think by stating they must do x outside core hours and must join calls you're painting yourself in to a corner when it comes to asking them to something you haven't specifically said in the advert. Most people accept that there will be times where they'll need to start later/finish later to get stuff done... you don't need much more than a "you need to be flexible" statement tbh.