Construction & Built Environment
Construction & Built Environment
Building Services Engineer
Design the heating, cooling, lighting and power systems that make buildings work, and help Greater Manchester reach net zero.
Building services engineers design, install and maintain the systems that make buildings comfortable, safe and energy efficient, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, power and water. With Greater Manchester aiming to be carbon neutral by 2038 and major new developments across the city region, there is strong demand for engineers who can design low-carbon systems and retrofit existing buildings.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- UK range: from about £28,000 for new starters up to £51,000 for experienced engineers
- Senior, lead and chartered engineers, and those in consultancy, can earn more
Career path
- Getting started: building services technician or trainee engineer, often through an apprenticeship, HNC or HND
- Building services engineer: designing systems using CAD and BIM, estimating costs and managing installations
- Senior engineer: leading projects and teams, working towards chartered status with CIBSE
- Next steps: senior project management, engineering design, facilities management or building services consultancy
How to get started
Routes in include college courses in building services, Level 3 to Level 6 apprenticeships, and higher technical qualifications such as an HNC in building services engineering (HVAC or electrical). Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on National Careers Service data for 2025 to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Design heating, ventilation, lighting and power systems
Create plans and models using CAD and BIM software
Estimate costs, present ideas and write progress reports
Make sure designs meet building regulations and safety rules
Organise technicians' work and manage budgets
Improve energy efficiency and use low-carbon solutions
Skills Needed
- Engineering science and maths
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Confidence with CAD, BIM and design software
Similar Careers
Construction & Built Environment
Assistant Site Manager
View career
Construction & Built Environment