Estates Mechanical Engineer

Southampton Solent University; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Solent University is seeking an experienced Estates Mechanical Engineer to lead our mechanical services team on the Southampton campus. You will manage planned maintenance, reactive works, and BEMS optimisation, ensuring compliance and high-quality service for students and staff.

The role combines leadership with technical input across heating, cooling, and water systems, contributing to a safe, efficient environment and coordinating with external contractors and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the mechanical engineering team, ensuring strong performance and professional growth
• Contribute actively to the Technical Services Senior Leadership Team (SLT), supporting strategic decision‑making
• Manage workflow, priorities, and performance for direct reports, including leave, absences, and Progress and Development reviews (PDRs)
• Liaise with university stakeholders, contractors, and external agencies to coordinate works and maintain service excellence
• Provide effective control and regulation of heating, cooling, and associated mechanical services
• Take ownership of the BEMS, including operational decisions and system optimisation
• Work closely with the Estates FM Systems Manager to provide expert guidance on BEMS functionality
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified through BEMS fault and performance reporting systems

Job description

Solent University is seeking an experienced Estates Mechanical Engineer to take on a key leadership role within our Estates team. This pivotal position focuses on managing, developing, and guiding our mechanical services staff to ensure the delivery of a safe, efficient, and high‑quality service across our diverse estate.

You will oversee the University’s mechanical building services and Building Energy Management System (BEMS), leading your team in the delivery of planned maintenance, reactive works, remedial projects, and refurbishment activities. Ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements, regulations, and industry best practice will be central to your role.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will provide technical expertise and minor design input across a range of mechanical disciplines, including domestic water systems, heating systems, and HVAC systems.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on leading people, enhancing service delivery, and shaping the performance of a skilled mechanical team within a forward‑thinking university environment. Your work will directly contribute to creating a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the mechanical engineering team, ensuring strong performance and professional growth
• Contribute actively to the Technical Services Senior Leadership Team (SLT), supporting strategic decision‑making

• Manage workflow, priorities, and performance for direct reports, including leave, absences, and Progress and Development reviews (PDRs)

• Liaise with university stakeholders, contractors, and external agencies to coordinate works and maintain service excellence
• Provide effective control and regulation of heating, cooling, and associated mechanical services
• Take ownership of the BEMS, including operational decisions and system optimisation
• Work closely with the Estates FM Systems Manager to provide expert guidance on BEMS functionality
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified through BEMS fault and performance reporting systems

Work Pattern

This is a full‑time role, working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You will be based at our Southampton campus, with occasional travel to satellite sites as required.

We offer 25 to 30 days of annual leave, plus a University‑wide closure over the Christmas period, along with additional wellbeing and professional development days.