Estates Mechanical Engineer

Solent University; Winchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Annual leave 25–30 days

Professional development days

Job summary

Solent University is seeking an experienced Estates Mechanical Engineer to lead and develop the mechanical services team across our estate, ensuring a safe, efficient and high-quality service for students, staff and visitors.

You will oversee mechanical building services and the Building Energy Management System (BEMS), providing technical input, guiding maintenance and refurbishment projects, and supporting compliance with statutory requirements and industry best practice in a forward-thinking

Qualifications

• Experience in leading a mechanical engineering team
• Strong knowledge of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)
• Experience with heating, cooling, HVAC, and domestic water systems
• Ability to guide maintenance, projects and refurbishment in a large estate
• Understanding of statutory requirements and industry best practices

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop the mechanical engineering team
• Contribute to Technical Services SLT and strategic decision making
• Manage workflow, priorities and performance for direct reports
• Coordinate works with stakeholders, contractors and external agencies
• Provide control of heating, cooling and mechanical services
• Take ownership of the BEMS and optimise system performance
• Advise Estates FM Systems Manager on BEMS functionality
• Troubleshoot BEMS fault and performance reporting

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.

• 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

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. Solent University offers an excellent benefits package. More Information on our website. We are Confident. We are Progressive. We are Inclusive. We Are Solent. Closing date: 15 November 2026.