The Cilent
Our client is a traditional privately owned Contractor specialising in the pharmaceutical, science & health, laboratories, commercial offices and higher education sectors. The business is home to Consulting, Design, Engineering, Management and Construction services. They have been established for over 50 years now and turn over circa £25m. The business has a track record of designing and constructing technically challenging engineering projects throughout the city and South East of England. After a sustained period of growth, the business is now looking to appoint a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to grow their design function. This role comes with an opportunity to progress up to a Section Head within 12 months.
The Role
The Engineer will report to the Section Head (Mechanical) and will be required to carry out all necessary design functions covering HVAC systems, pipe work systems, plant sizing and selection and calculations using both manual and computerised methods. They will also be required to be the discipline or M & E lead on projects which requires them to manage design delivery on a day to day basis with minimal leadership from the Section Head.
Responsbilities
- The Senior Engineer will be responsible for producing Concept, Preliminary and detailed designs according to the project requirements. The Senior Mechanical Engineer must develop detailed calculations and functional layouts to meet the criteria outlined. The Senior Mechanical Engineer must select equipment and materials which will satisfy the design parameters, applicable codes and standards.
- The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be involved in site visits, surveys, data gathering, Client meetings, office based design functions, estimating of designs, production of schemes and layouts for CAD draughting by support staff, writing of technical specifications, visiting site for quality control during construction, assistance with final commissioning, compilation of Health & Safety files and Operating and Maintenance manuals.
- The Senior Mechanical Engineer will need to be able to communicate professionally at all levels from design meetings to Client/sales presentations. These communication skills will need to be used along with management skills to provide leadership of an M & E team to deliver the requirement to any specific Client. As the M & E lead he/she will be required to be proactive at all times to deliver as a minimum, the company’s contractual obligations and as well as meeting client expectations.
- A major activity early in the design, is the accumulation of specific information from the client in order to produce and expand the user requirements and further define the scope of work. The data accumulated is coordinated with the other disciplines (Architectural, structural, electrical and public health) to ensure everyone has the current data, all items are covered and restrictions and interferences are accounted for.
- The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be capable of performing calculations in his design work when required, and be proficient in doing so manually and using computer programmes to assist in performing the design calculations where appropriate.
- The resulting calculations will assist in determining the appropriate equipment selections and functional layouts. The Senior Mechanical engineer must prepare adequate sketches and details that reflect the design calculations so that the Section Head (Mechanical) can approve them and authorise preparation of detailed drawings and specifications.
- While the daily activities of the Senior Engineer are carried out without specific direction of the Section Head (Mechanical), he/she will be expected to consult with him/her on questions of scope, and policy interpretations and scope changes requiring drawing and specification revisions.
- The need to meet deadlines and adequately coordinate efforts with others, places a burden on this position which the Senior Engineer controls through constant communication with othersworking on the project in order to meet the common completion goal. The need for overtime or added assistance is referred to the Section Head (Mechanical) for approval.
- It is imperative that the Senior Engineer stay informed on the latest developments in technology, equipment and materials so that the designs produced integrate the most effective, economical and solution systems available.
- The Engineer will undertake Continual Professional Development by reading technical journals, attending relevant IEE / CIBSE technical seminars from time to time and attending in house seminars aimed at increasing technical and operational knowledge.
- The Engineer will have a good and current understanding of Building Regulations and how they affect Mechanical Building Services Design. This refers in particular to the New Part L Building Regulations. Whilst specialist knowledge of renewable technologies is not expected, he/she should have a “working knowledge” of these technologies and be able to convey their pros and cons to clients and other relevant parties.
- The Senior Engineer must continue to follow the progress of mechanical work from the time documents are completed and issued to the Purchasing Department for inquiry, through contract awards, scope revisions, shop drawing checks, completion of construction, commissioning, startup and preparation of final record drawings and Operation and Maintenance Manuals.
- This continual monitoring includes communication with personnel in the office, client representatives, equipment suppliers, subcontractors and site staff. The Senior Engineer must frequently resolve problems which occur during construction in order to maintain a continuity of work flow on the job without prolonged delays.
- From time to time the Senior Engineer may be required to assist the Business Development Managers in presenting Austin to prospective Clients and in making project presentations.
- The Engineer will operate within the requirements of the Company Quality Assurance system, the Electronic systems Policy & and the Electronic filing system at all times and will be subject to periodic reviews to ensure understanding and compliance.
Principal Accountabilities
- Engineer safe, economical and reliable mechanical systems to meet the contractual
- scope of work and comply with the applicable standards and regulations.
- Develop the preparation of clear and concise drawings, specifications and material lists to define mechanical systems.
- Liaise with Clients and Client Users to obtain technical and operational information relating to the projects.
- Coordinate mechanical design with other disciplines (Architectural, structural, electrical &public health) to minimise conflicts and avoid costly revisions.
- Check shop drawings and technical submittals to ensure quality of products and equipment are in accordance with design.
- Assist field staff and subcontractors to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications and resolve problems during construction.
- Report to the Section Head on project progress and other key issues on a regular basis
The ideal candidate will have:
- Degree in Mechanical Building Services Engineering
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience within a Design Engineer’s role
- It is also important that this position pursue and obtain Chartered Status and Membership of a recognised professional Institution
In return they offer:
- The opportunity to progress – this opportunity comes with a chance to progress to ‘Head of Section’ within 12 months
- A competitive basic salary and package
- A healthy pipeline of work, having already filled their order book for the next 2 years.