At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative low-carbon heating solutions and create technical proposals.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest independent plumbing and heating merchants.
- Benefits: Structured training, clear career progression, and a focus on renewable technologies.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for growth in the renewables division.
- Why this job: Combine technical skills with commercial insight to make a real impact in sustainability.
- Qualifications: Interest in HVAC or renewable technologies; CAD skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This position sits between technical sales, system design, and applications engineering, helping turn project enquiries into practical, sellable heating solutions. You’ll work with installers, developers, and internal sales teams to understand requirements, recommend the right low‑carbon systems, and bring it together into a clear technical proposal. That includes product selection, quotations, and simple 2D CAD layouts. It’s technical, but it’s also commercial. You’re influencing what gets specified and ultimately sold.
Key Responsibilities
- Interpret project requirements and advise on heating system design and specification
- Recommend low‑carbon heating solutions (heat pumps, underfloor heating, cylinders, controls)
- Produce technical quotations and system proposals
- Create 2D CAD installation plans (training provided if needed)
- Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, MCS, and industry standards
- Support internal sales teams with technical and pre‑sales input
- Liaise with suppliers to ensure solutions are practical, available, and commercially viable
What We’re Looking For
We’re open to a range of experience levels, from junior through to more established hires. You might already be working in a technical sales, applications, or HVAC/design role. We’re also open to someone earlier in their career looking to move into a more commercial position. Typical backgrounds include:
- Technical Support or Internal Sales (Plumbing & Heating / Renewables)
- Graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services, or similar preferably with exposure to heating / HVAC
You’ll need:
- An interest in heating systems, HVAC, or renewable technologies (e.g. heat pumps)
- The ability to understand how systems fit together, not just individual components
- Confidence communicating with customers and internal teams
- A willingness to learn CAD (or existing experience)
Full training will be provided, but some prior exposure to heating, HVAC, or building services (through work or study) is expected.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Knowledge of MCS standards, Part L / Part F Building Regulations
- Experience with heat pumps, underfloor heating, or low‑carbon system design
- Background in mechanical engineering or building services
Why Join UKPS
- One of the UK’s largest independent plumbing and heating merchants
- Growing focus on renewable heating and low‑carbon systems
- Structured training on products, systems, and CAD
- A role combining technical thinking and commercial input
- Clear progression as the renewables division expands
Design Engineer in Leicester employer: UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS)
Join UKPS, one of the UK's largest independent plumbing and heating merchants, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and sustainability. With a strong focus on renewable heating solutions, we offer structured training and clear progression opportunities within our expanding renewables division, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned professionals and those looking to grow their careers in a meaningful way.
Contact Details:
UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer in Leicester
✨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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS).
✨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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) 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 Design Engineer in Leicester
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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) and the Design 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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS)
✨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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS).
✨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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS).
✨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 UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS), making you a more appealing candidate.
