Graduate / Intermediate Sustainability Engineer

With increasing pressure on ensuring the provision of building stock which has a minimal to positive impact on the environment and its users, sustainable design has never been more important. For Deerns, sustainability is an integral part of the building design, operation, and optimisation process. Our sustainability professionals develop and implement best practice design principles to ensure buildings meet necessary sustainability targets and use state-of-the-art technology (and where necessary, the lack thereof), in order to do so.

Two key skill sets necessary to ensure said targets are met are (1) building physics, and (2) building assessment / appraisal expertise.

The Role

As a Graduate / Intermediate Sustainability Engineer, you will work for various market-oriented consultancy teams. Our projects are across a broad range of sectors which include hospitals, commercial buildings, laboratories, airports, and data centres etc. Your contribution will be expected in all phases of the project including design, execution, and in-use. You will be expected to handle multiple projects concurrently. In this dynamic environment, you will be responsible for your own time management, performance, and achievement of results.

You will participate in design teams where your contribution will be expected to provide building physics consultancy services (energy and computational fluid dynamics modelling), and building assessment services e.g., via BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. As a design team member, you will hold regular meetings to inform and advise clients. This will require excellent interpersonal and conversational skills, making the complex simple. Keeping up with new developments in your field of expertise is a must for this role, and it is expected that you will gain knowledge through research, contacts with suppliers, etc.

You will be required to have the following (unless where stated otherwise):

• Graduate level: University or college degree (BSc and/or MSc required, PhD preferred) in physics, building services engineering, or mechanical engineering. An MSc in Smart Buildings or equivalent is also welcome although not essential. Where you have no university or college degree, you will be expected to have no less than three years’ experience as an apprentice with references.
• Intermediate level: University or college Degree (BSc and/or MSc required, PhD preferred) in physics or mechanical engineering and no less than two years professional experience. Where you have no university or college degree, you will be expected to have no less than five years professional experience with references.

The ability to translate conceptual ideas as well as highly detailed technical requirements into easily understandable technical solutions. Strong experience in building physics and building services (MEP) is preferred. A background in architecture is also welcome but not essential. Data-centre experience is highly preferred but not essential as long as a solid understanding of principles of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics (including psychrometry), heat transfer, and building controls systems can be demonstrated. Experience in translating technical solutions to clients clearly through written and/or diagrammatic content. The role will require the organising of client workshops (where the skill of making the complex simple is essential), and in writing (or contributing text towards) detailed design specifications.

Understanding of the various energy modelling methodologies including the UK NCM (for Part L and EPC modelling), ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G, CIBSE TM54, TM61-63 (for energy audits), and NABERS UK. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in any additional language(s) would be desirable but is not essential.

Graduate level: Experience or training in the following software packages is required (unless where otherwise stated): CFD modelling: Any software. Energy modelling: IESVE (including the ApacheHVAC module), and Grasshopper for Rhino. Building fabric analysis: Psi-Therm and WUFI.

Intermediate level: Experience in the following software packages and sustainability assessment methods is required. Energy modelling: IESVE (including the ApacheHVAC module), and Grasshopper for Rhino. CFD modelling: 6Sigma DCX (both internal and external models). Building fabric analysis: Psi-Therm and WUFI. Embodied carbon analysis: OneClick LCA. Sustainability assessment methods: BREEAM and LEED. WELL, or any other sustainability certification (e.g., Certified Passivhaus Designer) is welcome. Energy assessor certification: Non-Domestic Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA) certification is preferred.

Benefits: Competitive salary. Hybrid work (3 days from our London office + 2 days from home or 50% time in office) 25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays (option to purchase 5 extra days). Perkbox (a range of corporate deals, including health, fitness and entertainment). Life Insurance and long-term sickness coverage. Discretionary annual bonus (up to 10%). Pension (6% employer contribution). Salary Sacrifice. Referral scheme. Cycle to Work scheme. Company social events. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Good Habitz access (Learning & Development). Collaborative and supportive work environment. Exposure to diverse, challenging and unique projects. International networking opportunities within the Deerns global group. Remote work (outside of the UK) up to 2 weeks, at the manager’s discretion.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. While we welcome applications from all qualified candidates, we’re particularly keen to encourage applications from groups that are currently under-represented in our sector, including women. Even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we’d still love to hear from you if you’re passionate about this role.