At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative ASHP retrofit projects and shape the future of energy delivery.
- Company: Established energy firm focused on decarbonisation and renewable solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for long-term career growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a strong pipeline of exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition while mentoring junior engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and air source heat pump design.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol hybrid, with local site visits and occasional UK travel
Why this role
You know that decarbonisation only works when good ideas become real, functioning systems. This is a chance to step into a senior mechanical engineering role where your designs will not sit on a shelf. They will shape live retrofit projects, cut carbon across public buildings, and help transform how heat is delivered in a major UK city.
This opportunity would suit a Mechanical Engineer or Building Services Engineer who has strong experience with air source heat pumps, particularly in retrofit environments, and who wants to play a visible part in the energy transition. You will join a growing engineering function with a strong pipeline of work, a practical culture, and the chance to influence how projects are designed, delivered and improved over time.
What you’ll do
You will lead technical work across a wide range of decarbonisation and clean energy projects, with a strong focus on ASHP retrofit schemes in existing buildings. That will include site surveys, energy audits, feasibility studies, outline and detailed design, contractor scope development, design review, technical reporting and client presentation.
This is a hands-on senior role. You will be trusted to develop engineering solutions yourself, while also overseeing specialist consultants and subcontractors where needed. The work will span heating system design, pipe sizing, control philosophy, P&IDs, layouts, techno-economic analysis, energy modelling and support through construction and commissioning. You will also help mentor junior engineers as the team continues to grow.
About the company
Our client is a well-established energy and infrastructure business delivering decarbonisation, energy efficiency and renewable solutions across the UK and Europe. They work with complex estates in the public and private sectors, helping customers reduce cost, improve resilience and move towards net zero.
What makes this role stand out is the scale of the opportunity. You will be joining at a point where there is a substantial pipeline of retrofit work ahead, particularly across Bristol-based buildings, with the backing to build stronger in-house technical capability over time.
About you
You will bring solid experience in mechanical engineering, building services or decarbonisation, with proven knowledge of air source heat pump design in retrofit applications. You should feel confident working across existing heating systems, reviewing constructability, challenging design assumptions and supporting projects beyond paper design into delivery.
Just as important is your mindset. You will be practical, collaborative and comfortable balancing technical detail with client-facing responsibility. Experience with public sector frameworks is helpful, but the priority is strong ASHP and retrofit expertise.
Rewards & growth
Alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, this role offers genuine long-term progression. You will have the chance to shape projects from concept to commissioning, build leadership experience, and contribute to a growing team in one of the UK’s most important decarbonisation markets.
How to apply
If you are ready to take ownership of meaningful ASHP retrofit and building decarbonisation projects, we would love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer in Bristol
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Net Zero Evolution.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Net Zero Evolution love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Net Zero Evolution and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Net Zero Evolution and the Senior Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Net Zero Evolution
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Net Zero Evolution.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Net Zero Evolution.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Net Zero Evolution, making you a more appealing candidate.
