A night at Harrods: Behind the scenes with our engineering team

When the doors close at our Knightsbridge store, another side of Harrods comes to life. A dedicated team of engineers, electricians, technicians and specialists work through the night to make sure everything is ready for the day ahead.

From lighting and escalators to boilers and engine rooms, engineering jobs keep the store running smoothly, day in and day out. With over 170 years of heritage to protect alongside modern, state-of-the-art systems, they work with care and attention to detail, often when most of the city is asleep.

This behind-the-scenes look offers an insight into what it’s like to work nights at Harrods, and the people who make it all happen.

How engineers build their careers at Harrods

Many careers in engineering and technical roles at Harrods are built over time, driven by learning and the opportunity to grow within an ever-evolving workplace. Andrew Carter, Senior Shift Technician, is an example of this, having been part of the Harrods engineering team for over a decade.

“My name is Andrew Carter. I’m a Senior Shift Technician. I’ve been here for 12 years. I start the morning at 6:30. I put the lights on in the store for the cleaners, I check escalators are running, I check awnings are out, I check that the boilers are working and up to pressure, that we’ve got hot water, and I check the engine room. Senior Shift Technicians, there’s a team of five of us. We all work together, but we also team up with other engineers in other departments.”

That sense of collaboration is at the heart of engineering roles at Harrods. No one works in isolation and every shift relies on shared knowledge and clear communication.

A night in the life of Harrods engineers

Working nights at Harrods means preparing the store for thousands of customers before the doors reopen. It’s a role where planning, awareness and pride in doing things properly really matter.

Jamie, one of the electrical engineers responsible for maintaining the building, describes the variety involved:

“I’m one of eight electrical engineers who look after the maintenance of Harrods. Some of the day-to-day activities are just looking after the store, general lighting not working, general power issues, and making sure the tools are all ready for business.”

What often catches out people who are new to the role is the sheer scale of the operation, as Jamie shares.

“What surprised me about the role at Harrods was the sheer size of the building.”

Every shift brings different challenges, from heritage features that require careful handling to modern systems that keep the store moving seamlessly.

Skills and qualities that matter in engineering roles

Engineering jobs at Harrods need technical expertise, but they also require curiosity and a willingness to learn. With such a wide range of systems and environments, learning is never one-size-fits-all.

Jamie shares simple but honest advice for anyone considering a role in the team:

“My advice to anyone applying would be to be ready to learn, be honest, and get ready to learn about the sheer size of the operation here at Harrods.”

That openness to learning is what allows engineers to grow with the business and take pride in their contribution.

Finding purpose in technical careers at Harrods

For many engineers, the journey into their role starts with a simple moment that sparks a lifelong interest. Arsalan, a BMS Engineer at Harrods, remembers exactly where it began:

“I remember when I was 16, my mother had a hair dryer and it was broken, and I fixed it. She said, ‘yeah, you must become an electrician.’”

Today, he values the people he works alongside just as much as the work itself:

“We’ve got good guys working with us. They are reliable, they are hardworking, and they do their best all the time. And I’m glad to be working with them.”

That sense of trust and shared responsibility is what keeps the engineering team moving forward, night after night.

Why choose Engineering Jobs at Harrods

Engineering roles at Harrods combine modern innovation with deep respect for heritage. Every system matters and every shift plays a part in ensuring the store is ready to exceed expectations the next day.

From collaborative teams to meaningful responsibility and the pride that comes with keeping an iconic building running, these are Engineering Jobs with real purpose.

Start your engineering journey at Harrods

A career in engineering at Harrods offers the chance to learn, grow and be part of something truly special, whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience with you.

Explore current Engineering and Maintenance roles and discover what Uniquely You, Together Harrods could mean for your future.