At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for cutting-edge HVDC projects and ensure systems are safe and efficient.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and wellness perks like gym discounts and free online GP.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while working on multi-billion-pound projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in mechanical building services design required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations and you’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office – Perth / Inverness / Aberdeen / Glasgow.
Salary: circa £65,000 - £75,000 + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role SSEN Transmission is delivering some of the UK's largest and most complex energy infrastructure projects, including major HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission links that will support the transition to a net zero future. We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Building Services Engineer to join our HVDC Engineering team. This role will provide specialist technical leadership and design assurance for mechanical building services systems across HVDC converter stations and associated infrastructure, helping ensure critical systems are safe, reliable, maintainable and fit for long-term operation.
You will work across multi-billion-pound transmission programmes, collaborating with OEMs, Tier 1 contractors, designers and internal engineering specialists to ensure safe, efficient and high-performing mechanical systems throughout the project lifecycle. The role includes responsibility for critical systems that directly impact HVDC operation, including complex climate systems, critical valve cooling systems, fire detection/suppression systems, and more conventional building services.
- Lead Mechanical Building Services Design – Provide technical leadership and approval of mechanical building services designs for HVDC converter stations, including HVAC, environmental controls, valve cooling, fire protection, water services and drainage systems.
- Oversee Engineering Delivery Across the Project Lifecycle – Support and guide projects from concept and FEED through detailed design, construction, commissioning and handover, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient solutions.
- Manage Technical Stakeholders and Interfaces – Collaborate with Tier 1 contractors, OEMs and multidisciplinary engineering teams to review designs, resolve technical queries and coordinate complex interfaces across mechanical, electrical, civil, controls and HVDC systems.
- Drive Technical Assurance and Compliance – Lead technical reviews, risk and constructability workshops, participate in FATs, SATs and site inspections, and ensure designs meet company standards, industry regulations and health and safety requirements.
- Champion Continuous Improvement and Team Development – Identify opportunities for innovation and standardisation across the HVDC portfolio while mentoring and supporting graduate and developing engineers within the team.
You have:
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline, with Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership).
- Proven experience delivering mechanical building services design across sectors such as energy, power transmission, industrial facilities, data centres, oil and gas, petrochemical, water or other critical infrastructure projects.
- In depth understanding of HVAC, chilled water and cooling systems, valve cooling and heat rejection systems, fire protection systems, BMS and mechanical infrastructure associated with large-scale industrial facilities.
- Experience reviewing contractor designs, managing technical risk, ensuring compliance and providing engineering oversight on complex multidisciplinary projects.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple stakeholders; experience with BIM and digital engineering tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud would be advantageous.
About SSE: SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that’s not all – we’re upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We’re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you’re offered a role with SSE, you’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
Senior Mechanical Building Service Engineer in Perth employer: SSE PLC
SSE plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns in a dynamic hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to generous benefits and opportunities for growth within the energy sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to impactful energy infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Building Service Engineer in Perth
✨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 SSE PLC.
✨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 SSE PLC love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of SSE PLC 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 Building Service Engineer in Perth
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 SSE PLC and the Senior Mechanical Building Service 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 SSE PLC
✨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 SSE PLC.
✨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 SSE PLC.
✨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 SSE PLC, making you a more appealing candidate.
