Mechanical Engineer

Cento; Leeds; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cento is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Building Services team in Leeds. You will lead mechanical designs for complex projects, with a focus on healthcare, and work to deliver efficient, compliant systems.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with electrical disciplines, and ensure designs meet energy and performance targets across both new-build and refurbishment schemes.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in mechanical building services design, ideally in a consultancy.
• Experience delivering complex projects; healthcare and specialist ventilation is valuable.
• Understanding of BS/Regulations and energy-performance considerations.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical design concepts, calculations, specs, drawings and schedules.
• Lead multidisciplinary design activities and mentor junior engineers.
• Coordinate with clients and stakeholders to translate briefs into designs.
• Monitor programmes, fees and quality to keep projects on track.
• Review technical work and perform design checks as part of peer reviews.
• Guide interfaces between mechanical and electrical systems.

Skills

Mechanical design

Healthcare projects

Team leadership

Ventilation design

Building services knowledge

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Chartered Engineer status (advantageous)

Tools

Hevacomp

IES

AutoCAD

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Building Services

An established building services consultancy is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design and delivery of technically complex projects, with a particular focus on healthcare.

This opportunity would suit an experienced mechanical design engineer looking to combine hands‑on technical work with greater responsibility for project delivery, team development and client relationships. Engineers from other sectors will also be considered where they bring experience of complex buildings and specialist mechanical systems.

The Role

You will oversee mechanical building services designs from initial concepts through to detailed technical information, supporting both new-build and refurbishment schemes. Specialist ventilation design will form an important part of the position.

Working alongside colleagues across mechanical and electrical disciplines, you will ensure designs meet project requirements, relevant standards and energy-performance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical design concepts, calculations, specifications, drawings and equipment schedules.
• Design compliant, energy-efficient systems, incorporating low‑carbon solutions where appropriate.
• Establish client requirements and translate project briefs into practical engineering designs.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities and lead the engineering team on individual projects.
• Monitor programmes, fees and design quality to keep projects on track.
• Review technical work, carry out design checks and contribute to peer reviews.
• Maintain relationships with clients, consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Attend design meetings, explain technical proposals and coordinate mechanical and electrical interfaces.
• Guide junior engineers through technical support, mentoring and constructive feedback.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives and share technical knowledge across the team.

Skills and Experience

• Relevant experience in mechanical building services design, ideally within a consultancy environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical systems and the ability to apply engineering principles to practical design challenges.
• Experience delivering complex projects; healthcare and specialist ventilation experience would be particularly valuable.
• Understanding of construction methods, design stages and coordination between building services disciplines.
• Ability to manage project workloads, deadlines and commercial requirements.
• Familiarity with relevant British Standards, Building Regulations and industry guidance.
• Experience using engineering calculation and specification software, such as Hevacomp or IES, alongside Microsoft Office.
• Confident communication skills, with the ability to explain design decisions to technical and non-technical audiences.
• A thorough, organised approach and a commitment to accurate, high-quality work.

Qualifications and Professional Development

A relevant qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline is required. Degree‑level qualifications are preferred, with HNC/HND routes also recognised.

Chartered Engineer status, or progress towards it, would be advantageous. You should be committed to continued professional development and supporting the development of others.

• AutoCAD or similar drafting software.
• Building modelling and performance analysis.
• Renewable technologies, low‑carbon design or environmental assessment methods such as BREEAM.
• Specialist mechanical systems within demanding operational environments.

The position offers scope to take on increasing leadership and management responsibilities, supported by technical training, professional development and opportunities to broaden your project experience.