At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vital operations by maintaining and installing building systems in the UK and overseas.
- Company: Join MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, dedicated to national security.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £37,518, 25 days annual leave, and various training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable qualifications and hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Interest in building services, practical experience, and GCSE in English required.
The predicted salary is between 37518 - 37518 £ per year.
Flexible working: due to the nature of this role, flexible working isn’t possible and full‑time availability is needed to support projects across the UK and overseas.
About Us
We’re MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service. Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber‑attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence. A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
The Role
As an Associate Building Services Engineer, you'll join a close‑knit, experienced multi‑trades team that keeps vital UK and overseas facilities running safely and reliably. This is a rare opportunity to gain electrical/mechanical qualifications, support mission‑critical operations, and take on exciting challenges across different countries and contexts.
Responsibilities – UK
- When you’re working in the UK, you’ll help plan the team’s tasks and activities. This will include general maintenance, fault‑finding and repairs to existing systems.
- You’ll also assist with the installation and maintenance of systems, including lighting, air conditioning and fire alarms.
- Help maintain installed systems and building fabrics.
- Identify the equipment needed for each task and get quotations for the delivery.
- Work with suppliers to source equipment and materials.
- Organise deliveries and coordinate equipment being sent overseas.
- Complete documentation to ensure everything reaches the right place at the right time.
Responsibilities – Overseas
- When you’re working overseas, you’ll help keep vital facilities running by assisting with the installation and maintenance of air conditioning, ventilation, fire alarm systems and other electrical installations.
- You’ll also deliver planned projects and replace equipment reaching the end of its life.
- Respond to urgent issues when priorities change.
- Balance new demands with maintaining safe, sustainable systems.
About You
You’ll have a keen interest in building services or facilities management, supported by practical experience, either as part of an in‑house maintenance team or across multiple sites. This could include the installation and/or upkeep of systems like air conditioning, ventilation, fire alarms, or electrical equipment. You’ll also bring basic IT skills, a strong desire to learn, flexibility to work globally at short notice, a collaborative attitude and clear communication skills to work effectively with colleagues and suppliers. A GCSE in English (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent, is also essential. While not essential, an interest in electrical or mechanical engineering is a plus. Please note, this role will involve working at height (roofs, steps, platforms) and lifting mechanical equipment. There is no requirement for a fitness or medical test as part of your application.
Training and Development
When you join us, you’ll have access to training that’s tailored just for you, along with opportunities to gain formal qualifications. You’ll get hands‑on experience on live projects in the UK and overseas, and on top of that, you can choose to build your skills further with recognised certifications in areas like Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), electrical, mechanical, fire safety, and more. There’s also the chance to earn industry‑recognised qualifications, including F‑Gas Category 1, PAT Testing, Safe Isolation of Electrical Equipment, Gent Fire Alarm Systems, PASMA Mobile Access Tower Training, IPAF Powered Access Licence (PAL) and others.
Rewards and Benefits
Starting salary of £37,518, plus other benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- An interest free season ticket loan.
- A cycle to work scheme.
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations).
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal Opportunities
At MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neuro‑divergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
Associate Building Services Engineer employer: Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
At MI6, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teamwork is at the heart of our mission to protect the UK. As an Associate Building Services Engineer, you'll benefit from tailored training and development opportunities, including access to industry-recognised qualifications, while enjoying a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our vital work both in the UK and overseas.
Contact Details:
Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Building Services Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at MI6 on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge related to building services. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with systems like air conditioning and fire alarms, as this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! MI6 values collaboration, so think of examples where you've worked well in a team. This could be from previous jobs or even group projects during your studies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining MI6.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Building Services Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for building services and facilities management shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the role and how it fits into our mission at MI6.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's from previous jobs or projects. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and gives you a better chance of standing out in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of building services and facilities management. Familiarise yourself with systems like air conditioning, fire alarms, and electrical installations. Being able to discuss your practical experience confidently will show that you're ready for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key at MI6, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with colleagues and suppliers, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Flexibility is Key
While the role requires full-time availability, it’s important to demonstrate your willingness to adapt to changing priorities, especially when working overseas. Share any experiences where you successfully balanced multiple demands or responded to urgent issues.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be joining. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to MI6's mission. Consider asking about training opportunities or the types of projects you might work on.
