At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead building physics projects, driving energy performance and sustainable design.
- Company: Join Stantec, a global leader in creating sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on net-zero buildings and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience in building physics and energy modelling; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59270 - 72442 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Principal Building Physics Engineer to help lead and grow our national capability across the Southwest. Working closely with the senior leadership team, the role will ideally require weekly travel to the Plymouth office.
About The Team: Our Building Physics specialists play a critical role in shaping our design strategy influencing early-stage decisions, driving energy performance, and ensuring our solutions stand up to technical scrutiny. We work across a broad portfolio that includes science & technology, healthcare, education, commercial, transport hubs, and regeneration projects throughout the UK and internationally.
At Stantec, we create the connections that get people and communities moving. Across our Buildings & Sustainability teams, we design high-performing, low-carbon, human-centred environments. Our collaborative culture brings together engineers, designers, modellers and sustainability specialists to deliver buildings that are resilient, efficient, and ready for a net-zero future.
The Opportunity: As a Principal Building Physics Engineer at Stantec, you will act as a technical leader, project advisor, and discipline specialist guiding clients and internal design teams through building performance, energy strategy, façade optimisation, and sustainable design decisions. You will provide strategic input at concept stage, oversee complex modelling and simulation activities, and drive the integration of building physics principles across MEP, architecture and sustainability workflows. You’ll also have a key role in mentoring our growing team and supporting the long-term development of our national Building Physics offer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the technical delivery of building physics workstreams across large and complex projects.
- Oversee dynamic modelling (IES-VE, TAS, DesignBuilder) including thermal, energy, daylight, overheating, natural ventilation, and comfort analysis.
- Develop and review energy strategies, operational energy assessments (TM54), embodied carbon considerations, and net-zero design solutions.
- Provide expert guidance on façade performance, passive design strategies, solar control, and building fabric optimisation.
- Ensure compliance with relevant UK regulations (Part L, TM52/TM59, EPC requirements) and support BREEAM/WELL/LEED credits.
- Author high-quality technical reports and present findings to clients, design partners and stakeholders.
Strategic & Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration:
- Work closely with Stantec's MEP, Architecture, Sustainability, and Digital Engineering teams to embed building physics into integrated design solutions.
- Influence early-stage design decisions including massing, orientation, façade hierarchy, glazing ratios, shading strategies and natural ventilation feasibility.
- Support the development of digital workflows and modelling best practices across the Buildings business.
Client & Project Leadership:
- Act as a key client-facing representative for building performance and sustainability topics.
- Support bidding, project scoping, programme planning and technical strategy for major opportunities.
- Build long-term relationships with public- and private-sector clients including developers, local authorities, universities, healthcare trusts and major infrastructure bodies.
Team Development & Mentoring:
- Mentor and develop graduates, building physics engineers and early-career sustainability specialists.
- Provide internal technical training and champion excellence in building physics across the UK offices.
- Contribute to shaping Stantec’s national building physics capability, thought leadership, and innovation roadmap.
About You:
Essential:
- Extensive experience delivering building physics and energy modelling work in a consultancy environment.
- Advanced proficiency in IES-VE (or equivalent) including complex simulation, calibration, and modelling QA.
- Strong technical understanding of passive design, low-carbon buildings, façade performance and dynamic environmental behaviour.
- Demonstrable project leadership experience and ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams.
- Excellent communication skills with the confidence to engage clients and present technical information clearly.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting net-zero carbon strategies, operational energy modelling, heat decarbonisation or embodied carbon analysis.
- Knowledge of digital tools, parametric modelling or workflow automation.
- Experience in mentoring and line management.
Qualifications:
- Degree (and ideally MSc/MEng) in Building Physics, Mechanical/Environmental Engineering, Building Services Engineering or related field.
- Chartership (CEng) via CIBSE, IMechE or equivalent.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.
Principal Building Physics Engineer in Plymouth employer: Stantec UK Careers
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to industry-leading technologies and a strong commitment to sustainability, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear path to professional progression. Join us in Redditch or Newcastle to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Building Physics Engineer in Plymouth
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Building Physics Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Building Physics Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Stantec UK Careers a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Stantec UK Careers specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK Careers
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Stantec UK Careers, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Stantec UK Careers want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
