At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects for renewable energy systems like heat pumps and solar PV.
- Company: Join Better Planet, a leader in the UK's net-zero transition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in engineering with M&E design experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a talented Building Service Design Engineer to join our design function at Better Planet. We need someone who thrives at the drawing board as much as they do leading a team.
The scope of the role covers our full range of low-carbon technologies - heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), underfloor heating, and battery storage - across both domestic and commercial projects. The role also involves regular client and stakeholder contact, so we need someone who is confident communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences and comfortable in a client-facing environment. Based at our office in Islington, London, this is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.
Role and Responsibilities
- Design (primary focus): Act as the Lead Designer across the business, personally producing M&E technical drawings, schematics, and system layouts for heat pump, PV, MVHR, underfloor heating, and battery storage projects in both domestic and commercial settings. Specify equipment including heat pumps, circulation pumps, piping, inverters, battery units, ventilation units, and associated controls. Carry out power and control system design, including electrical schematics and wiring diagrams. Undertake 2D and 3D CAD modelling to support project design and client presentations. Carry out site surveys and feasibility assessments for new and existing projects. Review site installations to ensure conformance to design specifications and relevant standards.
- Client and stakeholder engagement: Support the sales team on client calls and meetings, providing technical input to help scope and win new projects. Meet clients on site to discuss requirements, present design proposals, and address technical queries. Act as a technical point of contact for Architects, consultants, and other external stakeholders, answering design and specification questions.
- Team leadership and management: Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineers, allocating workload and providing day-to-day technical guidance. Set and maintain design standards, procedures, and quality benchmarks across the team. Evaluate and implement advances in design technologies and software to enhance the team's capabilities and efficiency. Collaborate with project management, sales, and installation teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Support the growth of the design function as the business scales, including involvement in recruitment and onboarding of new Engineers.
Knowledge and Experience
- Essential: Minimum HND Qualified Engineer (mechanical or electrical); degree-level qualification preferred. At least three years of hands-on M&E design experience within the building services or renewable energy industry. Proven experience designing systems involving one or more of heat pumps, PV solar, MVHR, underfloor heating, or battery storage. Strong proficiency in 2D and/or 3D CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent). Solid understanding of UK building regulations, Part L, and relevant standards (e.g. MCS, BS 7671). Comfortable operating as a working Designer while also managing a team - this is not a desk-only management role. Confident communicator, happy engaging with clients, Architects, and other stakeholders in both meetings and on site. Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate design work.
- Desirable: People management or team leadership experience. Experience working across both domestic and commercial building services projects. Familiarity with BIM workflows and collaborative design environments. Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIBSE, IET, or Engineering Council registration).
What We Offer:
- A leadership role in a purpose-driven company at the forefront of the UK's net-zero transition.
- The opportunity to shape and grow the design function within a fast-scaling business.
- Exposure to a diverse and expanding portfolio of renewable energy technologies.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A collaborative, supportive working environment based in Islington, London.
- £32,000.00 - £55,000.00 per year.
Building Service Design Engineer - Renewable Energy / Heat Pumps employer: Better Planet
At Better Planet, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Islington, London. As a Building Service Design Engineer, you will not only lead innovative projects in the renewable energy sector but also have ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a purpose-driven company committed to the UK's net-zero transition. Our supportive culture encourages creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Service Design Engineer - Renewable Energy / Heat Pumps
✨Networking in the Right Circles
Dive into communities focused on building systems and supply engineering. Join LinkedIn groups, attend industry-specific trade shows, and don’t shy away from local meetups. These are golden opportunities to connect with industry professionals who could help you land that full-time role at places like Better Planet.
✨Showcase Your Projects
If you've worked on any projects—big or small—related to building systems, make sure to showcase them! Creating a portfolio or a detailed case study on your approach can do wonders. It’s all about showing prospective employers, like Better Planet, that you’ve got hands-on experience and a solid understanding of the field.
✨Leverage University Resources
Are you still connected with your university? Tap into their career services! Many universities have relationships with firms in the building systems sector and can provide leads on exclusive job openings. This could be your ticket to landing the full-time job you want.
✨Get Involved in Professional Bodies
Consider joining professional organisations related to building systems and supply engineering. These often have job boards, career development events, and networking opportunities. Engaging with these can significantly increase your visibility to firms like Better Planet and may help you secure that full-time position sooner!
We think you need these skills to ace Building Service Design Engineer - Renewable Energy / Heat Pumps
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Engineering Skills:In the building systems supply engineering field, make sure to highlight your technical skills in your CV. Include any relevant software certifications or engineering tools you’re proficient with. Demonstrating your ability to use industry-specific technologies can really set you apart!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles. When detailing your work experience, try to include quantifiable achievements—like how you improved a system’s efficiency by a percentage or managed a project that saved your last company X amount. This shows you're results-driven and could help us at Better Planet.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just reuse the same old cover letter! Personalise it for the Building Service Design Engineer - Renewable Energy / Heat Pumps role at Better Planet. Talk about your passion for building systems and why this position excites you. We want to see your personality shine through and how you envision contributing to our team.
Include Relevant Projects:If you’ve worked on specific projects related to building systems supply engineering, don’t forget to mention them! Include any reports or case studies that showcase your problem-solving abilities and project management skills. This portfolio of work can really illustrate your expertise to us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Better Planet
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
For a role in building systems supply engineering, make sure you're clued up about the latest technologies and tools in the field. Brush up on your knowledge of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical layouts, and any relevant software used in modelling or design.
✨Showcase Real Projects
Since this is a full-time position, the interviewers will be keen to see your relevant experience. Bring along a portfolio that highlights the projects you've worked on, focusing on your role and the impact you had. Be ready to discuss the challenges faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. They may ask how you would approach a specific design challenge or troubleshoot an existing system. Think about examples from your past work where you successfully tackled problems, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
It's crucial to have a good grasp of the current trends affecting building systems, like sustainable engineering practices or smart technology integration. Familiarise yourself with recent advancements and be prepared to discuss how they might influence your work at Better Planet.
