Air Conditioning Engineer

David Leslie Ltd; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Paid door-to-door travel

Overtime paid

Job summary

David Leslie Ltd in Portsmouth is seeking a Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer to deliver installation, commissioning and handover for split, multi-split and VRF/VRV systems on defence projects across the UK.

You will lead a team, interpret drawings, organise materials and support on-site surveys and training, with no on-call rota and paid travel. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel are required.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on installation experience in commercial/industrial HVAC.
• Ability to interpret drawings and install associated pipework and containment.
• Experience coordinating installations, materials and on-site teams.
• Confident in commissioning and handover activities; reading technical docs.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission split, multi-split and VRF/VRV systems.
• Interpret drawings and install piping, containment and supports.
• Support installation of controls and leak-detection systems.
• Organise materials, equipment and on-site workflows for engineers and trainees.
• Maintain safety, quality and handover records on site.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, clients and other trades to maintain progress.

Skills

Practical installation experience

Reading drawings

Team leadership

Willingness to travel

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

F-Gas Category 1 certification

Job description

Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer | Building Services | Portsmouth / Hampshire | £45,000–£49,000 + Paid Door-to-Door Travel + Overtime + Company Vehicle

Installation-Focused Role | No On-Call | Supportive Team | Specialist Defence Projects

An established Building Services contractor is looking for a Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer to deliver air conditioning and heat pump installations within defence and secure government environments. You will join experienced engineers and Project Managers in a supportive business where practical knowledge, teamwork and good workmanship are valued. Working closely with the AC Manager and senior supervisors, you will take ownership of installations while helping less experienced colleagues develop their skills. For an experienced Air Conditioning Installation Engineer who enjoys varied, technically interesting projects, this role combines hands‑on installation with commissioning, handover and the coordination of work on site. Paid door‑to‑door travel and overtime are available, with no domestic work or on‑call rota.

The Opportunity

As Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer, you will help organise and deliver installations, taking responsibility for workmanship, progress and the day‑to‑day activities of your team.

• Installing and commissioning split, multi‑split and VRF/VRV systems.
• Interpreting drawings and installing associated pipework, containment and supports.
• Supporting the installation of controls and leak‑detection systems.
• Organising materials, equipment and work for engineers, trainees and site labour.
• Maintaining safe working practices, installation quality and handover records.
• Coordinating with Project Managers, clients and other trades to maintain progress.
• Alongside your installation work, there will be scope to support site surveys and attend technical and manufacturer training.

About You

You will be an experienced Air Conditioning Installation Engineer with strong practical skills and the confidence to organise work, solve installation problems and support colleagues.

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• F‑Gas Category 1 certification.
• Strong practical experience installing commercial or industrial air conditioning systems.
• Installation experience with split, multi‑split and VRF/VRV systems, with relevant heat pump experience.
• Confidence reading drawings and completing commissioning and handover activities.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work away.
• Previous experience leading installations would be advantageous.
• Experienced installers ready to take on greater responsibility are also encouraged to apply.
• IPAF, PASMA, CSCS and First Aid qualifications would be useful.

What's on Offer?

£45,000–£49,000 basic salary, reflective of experience and responsibility. Paid door‑to‑door travel and overtime at applicable rates. Company vehicle and mobile phone. An installation‑focused role with no on‑call rota or domestic work. Technical and manufacturer training, with support for relevant qualifications. Scope for career development within a supportive engineering team.

Location and Working Arrangements

The company is based in South Hampshire, and applications are welcomed from engineers in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. This is a mobile role involving projects across the UK, working away where required and occasional overseas assignments. Applicants should be comfortable with these arrangements. Travel and working‑away expectations will be discussed during an initial conversation. Applicants must hold a UK passport and be able to obtain the required security clearance.

Interested?

Also suitable for: Lead Air Conditioning Engineer, Air Conditioning Installation Engineer, Senior Air Conditioning Engineer, Air Conditioning Installation Supervisor or HVAC Installation Engineer.

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