Building services engineer

Building services engineer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Building services engineers are responsible for the electrical, mechanical and health and safety aspects of new buildings, ensuring that these services perform effectively and efficiently.

The role includes the design and maintenance of air conditioning, elevators and other mechanical systems, the distribution of electricity and water supply and the provision of lighting and heating, among many other areas.

Building services engineers are responsible, in short, for all the functional characteristics of a building that take it from being an empty shell to a comfortable living space.

While health and safety features, such as emergency procedures and security, are of high priority, the environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness of buildings are increasingly vital considerations in the industry.

Typical work activities include:

• Designing the layout of energy distribution, water pipes and ventilation systems.
• Assessing whether a site is suitable for construction.
• Identifying the materials and equipment to be used in the various systems.
• Drawing up plans, writing briefs and reporting on progress.
• Carrying out tests on systems and making changes to plans where necessary.
• Monitoring the installation of services and managing their maintenance once the building is completed.
• Making sure that all building services meet health and safety requirements and environmental legislation.
• Negotiating contracts with clients, particularly in consultancy work.
• Liaising with plumbers, electricians, surveyors, architectural technologists and other construction professionals.
• Giving presentations and writing reports, advising on the functional aspects of buildings and highlighting the practical implications of the architect's designs.
• Promoting energy efficiency and other sustainability issues.
• Managing teams of people and working closely with them to get the work completed on time and to a high standard.

Building services engineering projects can vary widely from designing the air filtration system in a forensic lab to engineering the flood lights in a sports stadium. While the role is predominantly office based it also requires site visits. The frequency of these visits will depend largely on the type and nature of the project.

Similarly, while hours are typically 9.00am to 5.00pm, they can stretch into the evening where the project demands it. Time management skills are vital, as is a degree of flexibility to deal with any last minute problems that may arise.

Average salaries in the sector fall between £20,000 and £35,000. Salaries increase with experience, and senior roles can expect £65,000 or more.

Typical employers of building services engineers

• Construction companies including consultancies and contractors
• Property developers
• Local authorities and central government organisations
• Research institutes and higher education.

Qualifications and training required

There are a variety of relevant engineering qualiications available including higher national diplomas and bachelor of engineering (BEng) courses in building services engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and so on.

A degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE) and/or the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) will give you a considerable advantage over non-accredited graduates.

A masters (MEng) can help to focus your study on a particular area like environmental engineering, allowing you to pursue fields of knowledge and research that interest you. You will also need an accredited MEng, combined with CIBSE membership and followed by a period of initial professional development (IPD), if you wish to achieve incorporated or chartered status.

Pre-entry experience is not a requirement as training will be provided on the job. However, if you are able to find a vacation scheme you may well be in a better position when applying, not least because of the networking opportunities provided by the placement.

Key skills for building services engineers

• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
• An eye for detail and good design.
• Excellent numarcy and a good level of scientific understanding.
• Strong communication skills, particularly oral/interpersonal skills.
• Excellent people and time management skills.
• The ability to work well both as part of a team, and on your own initiative.
• Strong technical drawing skills.
• Good IT skills and a familiarity with industry-specific software and modelling programmes.