Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer | Building Services | Winchester / Hampshire | £45,000–£49,000 + Paid Door-to-Door Travel + Overtime + Company Vehicle Installation-Focused Role | Supportive Team | Specialist Defence & Government Projects | No On-Call | Career Development An established specialist Building Services contractor is looking to appoint a Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer to join its experienced engineering team. This is an opportunity to join a business where people support one another, take pride in their work and value the contribution each person makes. You will work alongside experienced engineers, Project Managers and Directors, taking ownership of installations while having access to technical knowledge and practical support across the business. The company recognises that its people are its greatest asset and is committed to providing a positive working environment where they can develop and build long-term careers. Your experience will be valued, your ideas will be welcomed and you will have opportunities to share your knowledge and help less experienced engineers develop. The business delivers specialist mechanical, electrical and associated infrastructure works within defence and secure government environments. These are settings where installation quality, reliability, professionalism and discretion are essential. Your work will focus on the installation, commissioning and handover of air conditioning and heat pump systems. You will remain hands-on while organising work on your allocated sites, supporting colleagues and helping deliver a high standard of finished installation. There is no domestic work and no on-call rota. Projects are located throughout the UK, with occasional overseas assignments, offering variety for someone who enjoys working in different environments. The Opportunity You will lead the practical delivery of air conditioning installations, coordinating day-to-day activities and working closely with the project team from site preparation through to commissioning and handover. Your responsibilities will include: * Installing and commissioning split, multi-split and VRF/VRV air conditioning systems * Interpreting drawings, plans and specifications to establish installation requirements * Installing associated pipework, containment and supports * Supporting the installation of controls and leak-detection systems * Organising work and providing clear instructions to engineers, trainees and other site labour * Guiding junior team members and checking that allocated activities are carried out safely and competently * Coordinating materials, equipment and other installation requirements * Maintaining installation standards and completing relevant records and handover information * Liaising with Project Managers, clients and other trades to resolve practical issues and maintain progress * Supporting site surveys and providing technical information for quotations and tenders You will work closely with the AC Manager, senior supervisors and the wider engineering team, drawing on their experience while contributing your own practical knowledge. There is also scope to support F-Gas records, manufacturer installer schemes and improvements to installation practices, alongside attending relevant technical and manufacturer training. About You You will be an experienced Air Conditioning Installation Engineer with strong practical skills and the confidence to take responsibility for the quality and organisation of your work. We are looking for: * NVQ Level 3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning * F-Gas Category 1 certification * At least three years’ post-qualification experience * Proven installation experience with split, multi-split and VRF/VRV systems * Experience installing air conditioning and heat pump systems in commercial or industrial environments * Confidence interpreting drawings, specifications and installation requirements * The ability to organise work, coordinate materials and support other team members * A practical understanding of commissioning and handover requirements * Strong communication skills and a professional approach with clients * A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work away when required Previous experience leading installations or supervising a small team would be advantageous. Applications are also welcomed from experienced installers ready to take on greater responsibility. IPAF, PASMA, CSCS and First Aid qualifications would be useful, as would experience within defence or other controlled operational environments. You should take pride in your workmanship, enjoy sharing knowledge and be comfortable working independently while remaining part of a wider team. What’s on Offer? * £45,000–£49,000 basic salary, depending on experience * Company Vehicle, plus Paid door-to-door travel * Overtime opportunities, with applicable overtime rates * Mobile phone * An installation-focused role * No on-call rota, No domestic work * Technical and manufacturer training ,plus support for continued professional development and relevant qualifications * Scope for career development and increasing responsibility. * A supportive team where your experience and contribution are valued You will join a business offering varied technical projects and the opportunity to build a long-term career while helping develop the engineers working alongside you. Location and Travel The company is based in South Hampshire, with projects throughout the UK and occasional overseas assignments. The role involves travel to project sites and working away where required. The office location, travel arrangements and working-away expectations will be discussed during an initial confidential conversation. Applicants must hold a UK passport and be able to obtain the security clearance required for the company’s projects. Interested? If you are an experienced Air Conditioning Installation Engineer looking for ownership of your work, paid travel and a supportive team where you can develop, please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact Rob Green at David Leslie Ltd for a confidential and informal discussion. This opportunity would suit candidates currently working as an: Lead Air Conditioning Engineer Air Conditioning Installation Engineer Senior Air Conditioning Engineer Air Conditioning Installation Supervisor HVAC Installation Engineer
Air Conditioning Engineer in Winchester employer: DAVID LESLIE LTD
Join a leading Mechanical & Electrical Building Services contractor in the South West, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering innovative projects. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package including car allowance, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Air Conditioning Engineer in Winchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like DAVID LESLIE LTD, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Air Conditioning Engineer at DAVID LESLIE LTD.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at DAVID LESLIE LTD
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
