Building services engineers are responsible for ensuring that the electrical, mechanical and telecoms aspects of new buildings perform effectively and efficiently: essentially, all the functional characteristics of a building that take it from being an empty shell to a comfortable living space. As such, the job may include tasks such as:
designing or maintaining air conditioning, elevators and
other mechanical systems
distributing electricity and water supply
providing lighting and heating.
Building services engineering projects can vary from the
design of the air filtration system in a forensic lab to the installation of
flood lights in a sports stadium.
The focus of the role will vary according building engineer job description to the type of employer the building services engineer works for. 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.
Depending on the type of employer you work for, work
activities could include:
designing the layout of energy distribution, water pipes
and ventilation systems and identifying relevant materials
drawing up plans using computer-aided design and building
information modelling software
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 highlighting the
practical implications of the architect’s designs
promoting energy efficiency and other sustainability
initiatives.
It is possible for building services engineers to
specialise on the mechanical or electrical sides of the functions and
systems. Job titles might be ‘graduate mechanical engineer’ or 'graduate
electrical engineer' instead of ‘graduate building services engineer’.
Typical employers of building services engineers
Construction companies, including consultancies and
contractors
Property firms and/or facilities management companies
Organisations that own or operate from a large number of
buildings, such as the NHS and universities
Local authorities and central government organisations.
Vacancies can be found on TARGETjobs, through career
services websites, on employers’ websites and through relevant the jobs boards
and publications offered by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute
of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE) and the Institution of Mechanical
Engineering (IMechE).
Key skills for building services engineers
Excellent
analytical and problem-solving skills
An eye for
detail and good design
Excellent
numeracy skills
Strong
communication skills
Excellent
people and time management skills
The ability
to work well both as part of a team and on your own
Strong
technical drawing skills
Good IT
skills and a familiarity with industry-specific software and modelling
programmes.
Building services engineers bring buildings to life by
designing the mechanical and electrical systems that allow people to function
within an enclosed structure. Building services engineering involves the
production and maintenance of a stable internal environment that has the
correct temperature, air quality and lighting levels. It requires the provision
of all the necessary backup support systems such as power, hot and cold water
and lifts. The installation of life protection systems such as fire alarms,
escape routes and sprinkler systems is an important responsibility as well.
These functions must be linked to sophisticated building management systems to
ensure effective control and to minimise energy consumption.
Building services engineers use their understanding of
the thermal interaction between a person and the building envelope and between
the building and the external environment to design low energy thermal, fluid
and power systems to achieve a comfortable safe, internal environment whatever
form and function the building may take.
European directives now require all buildings to have an
energy rating certificate and building services engineers play a vital role in
this process.
Job responsibilities include:
- Planning, designing and preparing detailed drawings for
required engineering facilities
- Preparing project budgets and required equipment
- Hiring, supervising and evaluating contractors
- Testing and quality control
- Management and maintenance at periodic intervals.
Moreover, all of these services must be performed in
accordance with client or internal company requirements.