Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Building Services)

Our client is one of the leading independent MEP Design & build Contractors in Leeds. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mechanical and electrical engineering solutions across the leisure, residential and commercial sectors in particular, the business enjoys an interesting mix of customers including end users, main contractors and property developers.

As the demand of preconstruction design services continues to grow, including a greater dependency on energy and revit modelling, the business is keen to secure the services of a talented and commercially aware Principal Mechanical Building Services Design Engineer to lead HVAC design projects and manage a small team.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with commercial awareness and the ability to lead projects, develop client relationships and mentor engineers within the team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical building services engineer who is looking to take a leading role within an ambitious environment and have a genuine influence on its future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical building services design of projects from concept through to detailed design and construction.

Take overall technical responsibility for mechanical design packages, ensuring solutions are technically robust, compliant and commercially viable.

Produce and review mechanical services calculations, specifications, schematics, drawings and technical reports.

Design systems including HVAC, heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic water services, public health and associated mechanical building services.

Develop low-energy and sustainable engineering solutions in line with current industry standards and client requirements.

Coordinate mechanical designs with architectural, structural, electrical and other building services disciplines.

Lead design meetings and liaise confidently with clients, architects, contractors and other project stakeholders.

Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior and intermediate engineers.

Review and oversee the work of other engineers and technicians to ensure quality and consistency.

Manage mechanical design deliverables, programmes and technical resources across projects.

Support project managers and directors with fee proposals, scope definition and technical/commercial discussions.

Assist with business development and the development of long-term client relationships.

Attend site meetings, inspections and surveys where required.

Review contractor submissions, technical queries, drawings and commissioning information.

Ensure designs comply with relevant British Standards, Building Regulations, CIBSE guidance and other applicable legislation.

Promote best practice, innovation and continuous improvement within the mechanical engineering team.

Technical Requirements

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mechanical building services design and a strong understanding of the complete design process through to handover.

Experience should include:

HVAC system design

Heating and cooling systems

Ventilation and air-conditioning

Domestic water and public health systems

Mechanical services calculations and equipment selection

Energy-efficient and low-carbon building design

Mechanical specifications

Technical reporting

Design coordination

Construction-stage support

Experience with industry-standard design software and tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, IES, Hevacomp or equivalent would be advantageous.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

Significant experience working within a building services consultancy environment.

Strong mechanical building services design background.

Proven experience leading mechanical design on medium to large-scale projects.

Ability to take technical ownership of projects and deliverables.

Strong knowledge of UK building services standards, regulations and design guidance.

Excellent understanding of CIBSE principles and industry best practice.

Experience coordinating multidisciplinary designs.

Strong communication and client-facing skills.

Commercial awareness and an understanding of project fees, programmes and resource requirements.

Ability to lead, develop and mentor other engineers.

Degree/HND/HNC or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering.

Personal Attributes

Technically confident and highly competent.

A natural problem solver with a practical approach to engineering.

Comfortable taking ownership and making decisions.

Commercially aware and client focused.

A strong communicator who can build relationships at all levels.

Organised and able to manage competing priorities.

Collaborative and willing to support colleagues.

Passionate about delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

Interested in developing people as well as projects.

Ambitious and motivated to contribute to the growth of the business.