Building Services Engineer Jobs

Building Services Engineers are responsible for ensuring that the electrical, mechanical and telecom aspects of new buildings perform effectively and efficiently. The job may include tasks such as: designing and maintaining air conditioning, elevators and other mechanical systems; distributing electricity and water supply; and providing lighting and heating. 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. In their work, they need to consider: health and safety features, such as emergency procedures and security; sustainability; and cost-effectiveness.

Building services engineering projects can vary from designing the air filtration system in a forensic lab to engineering the floodlights in a sports stadium.

Typical work activities include:

• designing the layout of energy distribution, water pipes and ventilation systems

• identifying relevant materials drawing up plans using computer-aided design

• building information modelling software carrying out tests on systems

• making changes to plans where necessary monitoring the installation of services

• managing their maintenance once the building is completed making sure that all building services meet health

• safety requirements and environmental legislation

• negotiating contracts with clients

• liaising with plumbers, electricians, surveyors, architectural technologists and other construction professionals

• giving presentations and writing reports highlighting the practical implications of the architect’s designs

• promoting energy efficiency and other sustainability initiatives

• managing teams of people

Put simplistically: building services engineers who work for construction consultancies tend to focus on the design of the systems; those who work for construction contractors oversee how the designs are implemented on-site; and those who work for facilities management or property companies will maintain or repair the services.