Building Services Engineer

Building services engineers design a wide range of systems within new and existing buildings. They are also responsible for the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of the systems. The range of systems is likely to include:

• energy supply
• lighting
• heating, ventilation and refrigeration
• water, drainage and plumbing
• telephones and IT networks
• lifts and escalators
• security and alarm systems
• fire detection and prevention.

Responsibilities vary but may include:

• making presentations to clients and negotiating contracts with them
• designing systems with the aid of CAD (computer-aided design) software
• making sure that buildings have a positive impact on the environment
• overseeing the installation of systems on site
• testing and checking systems
• managing the operation and maintenance of building services in a completed facility
• managing budgets
• liaising with other professionals.

Building services engineers normally work standard hours, Monday to Friday, but may sometimes have to work longer, including at weekends and at night. Part-time work is possible.

Most building services engineers are office based but carry out regular construction site visits around the UK and possibly overseas.

Salaries range from around £25,000 to over £70,000 a year.

A building services engineer should:

• have strong engineering skills and an aptitude for design
• be proficient in working with computers and computer-aided design software
• be able to analyse and solve problems
• have good communication and interpersonal skills
• have an interest in environmental issues.

Design consultancies are the major employer, although building services engineers also work for a range of other employers. Some building services engineers are self-employed and work on a freelance basis.

The most direct route into this work is with a relevant honours degree, such as building services engineering. It may also be possible to enter with a BTEC Higher National qualification or a foundation degree. Some start at technician level and progress to professional engineering. The Diploma in engineering and Diploma in construction and the built environment are relevant for this area of work.

All trainee building service engineers go through a period of initial professional development (IPD) before achieving professional engineer status.

Building services engineers may become team leaders, project leaders, project managers or department managers. Further progress can lead to general management, then to company director or partner. There are opportunities to work abroad.

Further details