Compressed air and vacuum technician

This occupation is found in the compressed air and vacuum industry, which is made up of manufacturers and distributors of compressors, vacuum pumps, pneumatic tools and allied products.

Compressed air is air kept at a pressure that is greater than normal air pressure (atmospheric), anything less than atmospheric air pressure is defined as vacuum. Compressed air and vacuum systems may consist of the compressor or vacuum pump, air receivers, filtration, dryers, condensate drains and treatment, controller and pipework system. There are many uses for compressed air and vacuum air including energy for power tools, atomising of paint, operation of air cylinders for automation, conveyancing of materials, instrument air for clean process control equipment and fluids and gas generation (oxygen or nitrogen). Industries that use compressed air and vacuum systems include manufacturers, pharmaceutical, electronic manufacturing, oil and gas, power stations, garages, hospitals, dentists, transportation and plant hire companies. The continuous supply of compressed air is vital to all manufacturing processes. The latest compressed air and vacuum equipment are innovative engineered products, which use information technology (IT) control systems and the ‘Internet of Things’ to ensure cutting edge efficiency.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to install and commission compressed air and/or vacuum equipment and their associated systems; and complete servicing, fault diagnosis, repair and to ensure equipment is operating and controlled at its optimum efficiency. They agree the work scope with the customer and handover - detailing the work completed, providing technical and regulatory advice and any further recommendations. They will complete a range of documentation/reports, including risk assessments and service records. The role requires practical hands on engineering skills and good communication skills with colleagues, management, suppliers and end users.

They may work at a static site or as a mobile engineer working at customers' premises. They may use an allocated service vehicle, equipped with tooling and spares to travel to appointments at end user premises, therefore typically a driving license is required.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their team colleagues, managers, sub-contractors and customers. They may work as part of a team or solo. They will typically report to a service manager. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental standards, regulations and laws, including pressure systems safety (PSSR) and fluorinated greenhouse gas (F Gas). They often work unsupervised, are responsible for the quality of their own work and possibly others. They must ensure the work is completed safely and efficiently, meeting stakeholders' quality, time and budget requirements, whilst maintaining the efficient running of end user plant and equipment. As a customer facing role, they must present a professional image of the company and themselves.