Building services engineer : Employers and vacancy sources

Typical employers include:

• consultancies providing services such as building services design, sustainable energy systems, installation inspections, specification and cost control to a variety of client companies;
• multidisciplinary construction companies requiring specialist design and planning skills for a wide range of projects;
• major house building companies advising on energy efficiency in design;
• universities and other educational institutions requiring ongoing building systems support and maintenance, in addition to occasional customised design work;
• local authorities requiring systems maintenance and design support across a range of facilities;
• public health and healthcare sectors, including hospitals and care homes, that demand specialist building systems design and maintenance.

A high proportion of building services engineers are employed by consultancies. Engineers employed by consultancies work on a range of projects, often at the same time. Whilst they are likely to specialise in a particular area, they are required to apply a wide range of skills and specialist knowledge to a variety of areas, with an increasing focus on sustainability.

Self-employment as a consultant is an option for those with experience.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Building4Jobs.com  
• Building.co.uk  
• The Career Engineer  
• CIBSE Journal Jobs  
• EngineerJobs  
• Gradcracker  
• Hays Building Services  
• M&E Building Services Jobs & Recruitment  
• Modern Building Services  
• National and local press.

Vacancies are often advertised in graduate and professional publications, but for candidates hoping to work in consultancies, making speculative applications is likely to be the most productive approach.

Specialist recruitment agencies also handle vacancies and short-term contract opportunities. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)  has a searchable database of recruitment agencies.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.