At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical projects and enhance university facilities for a better student experience.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a leading research-intensive institution with a commitment to positive change.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and building services while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and project management, with a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 37694 £ per year.
Salary: £35,608 to £37,694 with progression to £46,049 per annum.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 23 March 2026
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Building Services Engineer to join our Estates and Facilities Improvements Team. This strategic role involves delivering high-quality, client-focused in-house design services for estate-related projects. This role involves developing and implementing mechanical building services solutions across a wide range of projects including laboratory fit-outs and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring alignment with client requirements and University standards. You'll focus on refurbishing and repurposing existing buildings to enhance the student and staff experience, support our long-term maintenance programme, and lead sustainability initiatives within the team. Reporting to the Senior Building Services Engineer, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of both minor and major construction projects across the University's estate. You'll work closely with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders to manage competing priorities and influence project timelines.
We're seeking candidates with:
- A proven track record in mechanical building services engineering
- Experience working within multi-discipline design teams
- Strong project management and communication skills
- A passion for sustainable construction and helping us achieve our Net Zero Carbon goals
To arrange an informal chat or visit, please contact: Adam Hamilton, Head of Improvements (Estates). To apply please upload your CV and covering letter, evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined within the job description.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead multi-disciplinary projects, delivering cost-effective engineering and maintenance schemes across the University estate
- Produce feasibility reports, budgets, and planning documents; manage financial performance and ensure accurate cost tracking
- Integrate sustainability into all projects, supporting the University's environmental goals
- Identify and develop proposals for funding bids related to improvements and long-term maintenance
- Act as Principal Designer under CDM 2015, ensuring health & safety compliance and preparing required documentation
- Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, standards, and best practices (e.g. Building Regs, CIBSE, COSHH)
- Maintain service quality and meet agreed standards within budget constraints; ensure full cost recovery for external services
- Prepare mechanical designs, tender documents, and specifications; manage procurement and tender analysis
- Administer contracts from inception to completion, including programming, cost control, and final account settlement
- Promote collaborative working, provide technical guidance, and support recruitment and staff development
- Produce performance reports and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Liaise with stakeholders to minimise disruption and coordinate project delivery
- Support project handover and commissioning, ensuring systems meet design and operational standards
- Provide technical advice to internal teams and external partners on project options and solutions
- Monitor contractor and consultant performance, ensuring value for money and service quality
- Undertake additional duties as required to support the team and wider E&F
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation and standards, including Building Regulations, British Standards, CDM 2015, CIBSE Guidelines, and the Equality Act
- Proficient in AutoCAD, MEPWorx, Microsoft Office, and other engineering design and specification software
- Committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry best practices
- Demonstrated organisational and people management skills
- Experience managing budgets and delivering cost-effective projects
- Clear and effective communicator, with the ability to produce concise technical reports
- Skilled in developing innovative, practical solutions to engineering challenges
- Ability to learn and apply relevant SAP system modules
- Extensive post-qualification experience in building services design, construction, and project management
- Strong interest in energy efficiency and optimising existing building services installations
- Proven ability to plan, organise, and deliver high-quality customer service
- Capable of working in alignment with the University's values and Estates & Facilities vision
- Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) and best practice control strategies
- Proven ability to work with diverse clients and effectively manage expectations
Attributes and Behaviour
- Ability to assess complex issues and uses initiative to develop practical, cost-effective solutions
- Applies lateral thinking to overcome challenges and meet deadlines
- Evaluates health and safety risks prior to undertaking work
- Works methodically and prioritises tasks in line with team objectives
- Maintains flexibility and openness to alternative approaches
- Promotes a collaborative and inclusive working environment
Qualifications
- A degree in a relevant discipline, or professional registration as a Chartered (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or actively working towards professional qualification
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Mechanical Building Services Engineer employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous holiday package, excellent pension schemes, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that drive sustainability and enhance the student experience. Join us in a vibrant academic environment where your skills will be valued, and you can make a real impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Building Services Engineer
✨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 Newcastle University.
✨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 Newcastle University love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Newcastle University 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 Mechanical Building Services Engineer
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 Newcastle University and the Mechanical Building Services 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 Newcastle University
✨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 Newcastle University.
✨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 Newcastle University.
✨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 Newcastle University, making you a more appealing candidate.
