Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Bristol
Salary: £49,000-£63,000, depending on experience
Working Arrangements: Hybrid working available

The Company

An independent building services consultancy based in Bristol is looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join its team.

The business works across a broad mix of sectors, including commercial, retail, industrial, education, healthcare, hotel and leisure, and infrastructure. Its project portfolio covers everything from smaller refurbishment schemes and plant replacements through to major developments valued at £50m+.

The team currently consists of 10 people, offering a close-knit working environment with direct access to the directors and plenty of variety in the work. It's a good opportunity for someone who enjoys being involved in the technical side of projects and having a visible impact on their delivery.

The Role

The consultancy is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who can take ownership of projects while remaining hands-on with mechanical design.

You'll be working across a varied portfolio, managing projects from initial surveys and feasibility through to detailed design, tender and construction support. This will include refurbishment and plant replacement work, fit-outs and larger building projects.

Alongside the design work, you'll have regular contact with clients, coordinate with other disciplines and help ensure projects are delivered to the required standard and within agreed timescales.

This isn't a role aimed at someone looking to move straight into a purely managerial position. The preference is for an experienced engineer who enjoys the technical work, can manage projects independently and is comfortable dealing directly with clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of building services systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, hot and cold water, drainage and associated controls.
• Produce and review calculations, drawings, specifications, schematics and technical reports.
• Take responsibility for projects from initial surveys and feasibility through design, tender, construction support and handover.
• Manage several projects at different stages, keeping track of deadlines, resources and fee allowances.
• Build and maintain client relationships, attending meetings and providing practical technical advice.
• Survey existing installations and advise on refurbishment, plant replacement and opportunities to improve energy performance.
• Coordinate designs with electrical engineers, architects, structural engineers, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Review contractor submissions and tender returns, respond to technical queries and undertake site inspections.
• Check design work and documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Work closely with the directors and wider team, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues when needed.

What They're Looking For

• Strong experience in mechanical building services design, ideally within a UK MEP consultancy.
• The ability to develop, deliver and check mechanical designs independently.
• Experience taking responsibility for projects and managing competing priorities.
• A good understanding of UK Building Regulations, CIBSE guidance, industry standards and CDM designer responsibilities.
• Confidence dealing directly with clients, contractors and other design professionals.
• Good technical knowledge of mechanical systems, calculations and design documentation.
• Experience using relevant mechanical design software and CAD.
• A practical, organised approach and the ability to work independently within a small team.
• A relevant degree, HNC/HND or equivalent experience in mechanical or building services engineering.
• A full driving licence and access to a car for site visits and client meetings.

Experience with refurbishment projects, low-carbon heating, Revit or IES VE would be an advantage. CIBSE membership or working towards professional registration would also be beneficial.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £49,000-£63,000, depending on experience.
• Hybrid working.
• A varied project portfolio, including major schemes valued at £50m+.
• Direct contact with the directors and involvement in project decisions.
• The opportunity to lead projects while staying involved in the technical design.
• A close-knit team where your contribution to projects and the wider business is visible.

This would suit an established Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who enjoys a mix of design, project responsibility and client contact. If you're looking for a varied role within a smaller consultancy, without the expectation of stepping away from design into full-time management, it's well worth a conversation.

If you're interested, please contact Conner Richards at RGB Recruitment -