Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer Overview

This is an opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineer to join a creative and collaborative building engineering team in London, working on technically demanding projects with strong architectural ambition. The role is centred on the mechanical design of new and existing buildings, with involvement from early concept development through to tender, construction, handover, and post-completion evaluation. The work is closely tied to architectural design and to the performance of buildings, so the successful candidate will play an important part in helping clients achieve high-quality, sustainable outcomes.

You will be working alongside leading architects, developers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams on projects in the UK and internationally. The portfolio spans a broad range of sectors, including arts and culture, commercial and mixed-use developments, science and industry, heritage and refurbishment, and low- and zero-carbon buildings. The team is based within Arup’s Building Engineering business in London and is described as highly collaborative, design-led, and positive in culture.

What you will do

• Take a leading role in shaping the mechanical engineering strategy for projects, with a particular focus on sustainable outcomes and alignment with architectural intent.
• Work closely with architects and other project team members to influence the building form and ensure the mechanical design supports energy and sustainability objectives.
• Develop mechanical design concepts that reflect current thinking in low-energy design, natural ventilation, sustainability, and zero-carbon approaches.
• Carry out design analysis and collaborate with the wider team to improve and optimise building systems.
• Design mechanical building services systems, including air conditioning, heating, and both natural and mechanical ventilation solutions.
• Produce and coordinate technical deliverables such as models, drawings, reports, and specifications.
• Manage relationships with clients and collaborators, helping to guide them toward the best performance outcomes for their buildings.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of others, including engineers from other disciplines and in-house specialists, to ensure a joined-up design process.
• Support and mentor junior colleagues while continuing to build your own professional skills and experience.
• Grow into broader leadership responsibilities, with opportunities to lead projects and teams over time.

The role offers the chance to contribute to notable projects and to work on buildings where design quality, technical performance, and sustainability are all central. Example projects referenced include major cultural and commercial developments such as the British Museum redevelopment with Lina Ghotmeh, the Hanoi Opera House with Renzo Piano, the new Museum of London with Stanton Williams, and large-scale London commercial buildings.

What they are looking for

• Substantial experience in mechanical building services design, together with a strong understanding of the discipline.
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering, ideally completed at master’s level.
• Chartered status, or active progress toward becoming chartered.
• A willingness to adapt, learn, and tackle analytical challenges related to energy consumption, temperature control, and other engineering parameters.
• Preferred experience in thermal modelling, including work connected to Part L and TM54.
• The ability to oversee the development of building energy models using widely used software such as IES, TAS, EnergyPlus, or DesignBuilder.
• Experience leading design work and coordinating small teams of engineers on projects is desirable.
• Confidence working collaboratively in multi-professional teams on large UK and international projects.
• Excellent technical and design capability, with the ability to take responsibility for design delivery from the earliest stages through to completion.

What Arup offers

Arup says it provides a reward package that recognises contribution and supports shared success. In addition to competitive, fair, and equitable pay, the organisation offers a working environment where people can belong, develop, and thrive. The benefits package includes profit share, private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance, and income protection cover.

Employees also have access to flexible benefits that can be tailored to personal and family needs, along with learning opportunities and the chance to make an impact through meaningful work. Arup describes itself as being owned in trust on behalf of its members, which gives it the freedom to set its own direction and choose work aligned with its purpose and legacy. The company also highlights its collaborative culture and the opportunity to contribute to ambitious projects that deliver strong outcomes for clients and communities.

Culture, inclusion, and accessibility

Arup states that it is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, including differences in age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and pregnancy or family leave status.

The organisation says it values diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas, and that this helps drive excellence. It also notes its commitment to equitable spaces and systems in line with its values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Internal employee networks support inclusion across areas such as race and cross-cultural working, gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and disability inclusion.

Arup also says it is committed to making its recruitment process and workplaces accessible. Candidates who need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, or to carry out the essential functions of the role, are invited to contact Aslam Hussain at [email protected].

How to apply

Applicants are directed to use the online application process for the role. The posting notes that the company may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised date if a large number of applications is received, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. Arup also provides a recruitment process page for those who want to understand the next steps.

The posting includes a reminder that Arup will never request payment or bank details as part of recruitment, as part of its online safety guidance.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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