At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of air-to-air heat pump systems from design to installation.
- Company: Join a family-run business dedicated to renewable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Company vehicle, ongoing training, and support for further qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a new service line with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of low-carbon technology and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Level 3 RACHP qualification and F-Gas certification required.
The predicted salary is between 36450 - 44550 £ per year.
We're adding air-to-air heat pumps to our renewable installation offering, and we're looking for the person who will own it. It's a new service line for an established MCS-certified business, and you'd be the technical lead building it from the ground up: designing the systems, installing the first jobs, and training the engineers who follow you.
About Better Planet: We're a family business, working across domestic and commercial projects in the South East. We design and install air and ground source heat pumps, solar PV, MVHR, underfloor heating, fan coil units and battery storage - and we're MCS-certified across our renewable installations. Air-to-air is our answer for the spaces where FCU distribution isn't practical. We're not chasing standalone air conditioning work - we're offering reversible heating and cooling as part of a properly designed low-carbon system.
The role: Twelve months in, you'll have taken us from no air-to-air capability to a working service line: our MCS certification for the technology secured on the back of your qualifications, a design process you've built, a portfolio of completed installs, and at least one other engineer trained up and working alongside you.
Responsibilities:
- Survey properties and design air-to-air systems - multi-split and VRF - including load calculations, indoor unit selection and siting, pipework routing and outdoor unit placement, using manufacturer design software.
- Install and commission systems to manufacturer specification and F-Gas requirements, leading on all refrigerant circuit work.
- Act as our Technical Supervisor for air-to-air heat pump installations under MCS certification.
- Lead and mentor a small install team, supervising trainee engineers working towards their own F-Gas certification.
- Build the standards - design methodology, commissioning records, quality checks - that this service line runs on, working with our existing operations and design teams.
- Advise our sales and design teams on what's feasible on a given site, including noise, planning and permitted development constraints.
Qualifications Required:
- Level 3 qualification in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps (RACHP) — NVQ/S/NVQ or equivalent.
- F-Gas Category I certification, current and in date.
- At least 5 years' post-qualification experience installing and commissioning air conditioning systems, including VRF/VRV and multi-split.
- Demonstrable design experience - you've sized and specified systems yourself, not just installed to someone else's drawings.
- Experience leading engineers on site and bringing less experienced people up to standard.
- Confident working across the major manufacturer platforms, particularly Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric.
- Sound electrical competence - reading schematics, safe isolation, testing control circuits.
- Full UK driving licence.
Preferred:
- Manufacturer design and commissioning training with Daikin and/or Mitsubishi Electric.
- Previous experience as a nominated Technical Supervisor under MCS, or working within an MCS-certified business.
- Experience with A2L refrigerants (R32, R454B) and the safe handling requirements that come with them.
- Domestic retrofit experience, particularly in period or constrained properties.
- Crossover knowledge of hydronic systems - air-to-water heat pumps, FCUs, underfloor heating, MVHR.
- 18th Edition, CSCS card, IOSH or equivalent.
The offer:
- Company vehicle and fuel card.
- Ongoing manufacturer training with Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric, fully funded.
- Support with further qualifications and CPD.
- Ownership of a new part of the business, in a company where the technical work is taken seriously and low-carbon heating is the whole point rather than a side product.
Lead A2A engineer employer: Better Planet
At Better Planet, we pride ourselves on being a family business that values innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector. As a Lead A2A Engineer, you'll not only have the opportunity to shape a new service line but also benefit from ongoing training and support for your professional growth. Our collaborative work culture fosters mentorship and development, ensuring that you play a pivotal role in advancing low-carbon heating solutions across the South East.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead A2A engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead A2A engineer role you’re after at Better Planet.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Better Planet a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Better Planet.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead A2A engineer at Better Planet, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead A2A engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead A2A engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Better Planet a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Better Planet specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Better Planet
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Better Planet, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Better Planet want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
