James Lewis Recruitment
Addlestone, Surrey
Jun 30, 2026
Full time
Mechanical Pre-Contracts Engineer / Mechanical Design & Estimating Engineer Egham - 70,000 - 110,000 + package This is not a standard estimator position, and it is not a standard design engineer position either. It sits between the two. The role needs someone who can look at a building, understand the existing mechanical services, work out the right solution, develop the design thinking behind it and then help price the work properly. It is technical, commercial and practical in equal measure. The business is a specialist mechanical services contractor delivering HVAC, CAT A, CAT B, fit-out and refurbishment projects across commercial, industrial and public sector environments. They provide design and build mechanical services across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water, plumbing and sanitary systems, with in-house design capability and practical delivery experience behind it. The company is now looking for a senior mechanical pre-contracts engineer because one of the key people in the business is planning to step back towards the end of 2026. He will still be involved in the background, but the intention is to bring someone in who can take on more of the front-end engineering, surveying, design review, estimating and client-facing technical work over time. This is a proper opportunity to grow into a central role in the business. The company has traded steadily at around 7m- 10m turnover for the last 7-10 years, and typically reviews around 300 opportunities a year, with roughly 30-36 projects won and delivered annually. That gives the role a strong mix of volume, technical variety and genuine influence over what the business chooses to pursue. The work is mainly CAT A, CAT B, student accommodation and retail, with a lot of the value sitting in the early-stage thinking. You will be looking at enquiries, attending surveys, understanding existing buildings, developing mechanical solutions and helping produce a price that reflects the actual scope, risk and buildability of the project. The design offering is based around taking projects from first technical drawings through to final installation, either by developing designs in-house or working from existing drawings, notes and technical specifications. That is exactly why this role needs someone who can operate across both design and estimating rather than sitting in one narrow lane. The estimating side does not need to be perfect from day one. If that is the weaker part of your background, it can be developed. What cannot be missing is the mechanical engineering understanding. You need to know how systems work, how they are installed, what can go wrong on site, and how to spot whether a design or specification is practical before it becomes a problem for the delivery team. You may currently be a mechanical design engineer, pre-contracts engineer, contracts engineer, project engineer or senior estimator. The job title matters less than the way you think. This role needs someone who can understand the technical requirement, challenge it where needed, and help turn it into a buildable, commercially sensible mechanical package. What you will be doing Reviewing mechanical enquiries, drawings, specifications and client requirements. Attending site surveys and understanding existing mechanical services. Developing practical mechanical solutions across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water and plumbing services. Working across CAT A, CAT B, student accommodation, retail and wider commercial fit-out projects. Supporting the estimating and pricing process, including scope review, supplier engagement and technical clarification. Identifying risks, omissions, design gaps, access issues and buildability concerns before the project reaches site. Working with clients, consultants, suppliers, engineers and project managers through the pre-contract stage. Helping hand projects over properly so the delivery team understands the design intent, scope, risks and pricing assumptions. Working alongside an established internal team of engineers and project managers. What you will need A strong mechanical building services background. Experience in mechanical design, estimating, pre-contracts, project engineering or contracts engineering. A good understanding of mechanical systems on paper and on site. Experience across HVAC, pipework, ventilation, heating, cooling, plant, domestic water or general mechanical infrastructure. The ability to survey buildings, understand what is already installed and develop a suitable solution. Confidence reviewing drawings, specifications and technical information. An HNC, HND or degree in mechanical engineering / building services would be ideal. The ability to deal with clients, consultants, suppliers and internal delivery teams. A practical, commercially aware approach to pre-construction. This would suit someone who wants more influence over how work is won, shaped and handed over. It is a senior role, but not one where you are expected to walk in and simply replace someone overnight. The business wants someone who can grow into the position properly, take ownership over time and become a key part of the pre-contracts function. Interested If this sounds like the right kind of move, please apply with a copy of your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation. This is a good opportunity for someone who understands mechanical building services and wants to move into a role with more influence at the front end of projects, without being boxed into either pure estimating or pure design.