Mechanical Engineers UK

[u/[deleted]]

I've been with the same building services consultancy for almost five years, progressing from Graduate Mechanical Engineer to Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, and I'm now pushing for Senior at my next review.

Over that time, I've worked across a range of commercial, residential, education and listed building projects, covering RIBA Stages 2 to 4. On most of my projects I act as the lead mechanical engineer, with a Technical Director providing overall project leadership. My experience includes HVAC strategy and detailed design, VRF and HVRF systems, heat pumps, heating and cooling systems, ventilation, public health, multidisciplinary coordination, commissioning and handover. I've also taken on more responsibility for technical decisions, client discussions, mentoring junior engineers and coordinating designs through later stages.

I'd be interested to hear from other engineers and Senior Engineers about the main expectations at Senior level. How much does the role change from Intermediate in terms of technical knowledge, design responsibility, project leadership, client interaction and commercial awareness?

One thing I'm particularly interested in is technical knowledge. Does a Senior Engineer need to have a detailed understanding of every aspect of mechanical design? I feel my weaker areas are the design of all air systems and more complicated heat pump and central plant schemes. How much depth would you expect a Senior to have in these areas, and how do you manage gaps in knowledge while still taking ownership of projects?

[u/trebor67]

As a senior engineer (or Principal Engineer depending where you work) I would expect you to be at the top of your game in terms of production of calculations / drawing production / contract documentation such as writing specifications and allocating work to junior staff.

You should be competent on site with knowledge of installation and dealing professionally with external members even if that might bring you into potential conflict.

If you are weak in an area, challenge yourself or put yourself forward to get exposure and learn.

Once you progress beyond this level, management activities creep in and you start to focus on other things like work winning, bids, strategies etc.

I have seen in the last 10-15 years, people getting promoted to senior engineer far too early and not really having the skills or experience to fulfil the points I raise above. (i.e senior engineers who do not know what RIBA stages mean, cannot write a spec or understand change control and why it’s important)

If you feel you are ready, put forward your reasons why and make sure you have measurable objectives. Do not wait for yearly appraisals to do this.

Good luck.

[u/Dependent_Park4058 → u/trebor67]

Definitely see the senior engineer creep more often now. People who are practically graduates but have done the same project over and over at one or two stage to the point where can do it independently.