Graduate Building Physics Engineer (Building Sustainability) Leeds 2022

AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organisations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, to stable and secure nations, our work is transformative, differentiated and vital.

AECOM is one of the world’s largest professional engineering consultancies, bringing a comprehensive portfolio of building services and engineering skills to projects encompassing all types of building and use from world class sporting venues through to commercial properties, healthcare & research, hotels, industrial & manufacturing, and infrastructure both in the UK and overseas.

About the role

AECOM’s Sustainability team comprises of specialists within our Building Engineering Business Line. We are recognised as industry leaders in the field of sustainable development. Our projects range from working with UK Government to support the development of Building Regulations and National planning policy relating to climate change, to developing energy and sustainability strategies to support the design and planning of new development and the regeneration of existing communities.

Our Manchester and Leeds teams deliver both broad sustainability services and building energy simulations from early design workshops to detailed design, and post occupancy operational modelling and strategic advisory work.

When a graduate starts with us we pair them with an experienced modeller who will guide and mentor them through their initial period working on live projects. On the job training is provided on our software modelling tool IES to ensure all our building physics engineers have a full set of design skills. AECOM run a comprehensive graduate training program to develop skills in areas including clear communication and report writing, client presentation and financial management.

What you'll do

• Early work with us will typically involve:
• Producing 3D geometry for buildings and developments,
• Liaising with internal and external design teams,
• Assisting in setting up comprehensive energy models of proposed developments,
• Attending meetings and workshops with other design professionals such as architects,
• Undertaking simple test cell modelling to assist with design development,
• Collating evidence for the issue of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs),
• Undertaking calculations in various supporting software packages,
• Understanding and undertaking early energy calculations,
• Supporting the engineers in producing information for inclusion into the main reports,
• Assisting in production of marketing material for internal and external clients,
• Supporting the senior staff in the delivery of projects.

As a graduate develops they are expected to take on more responsibility in managing our projects from inception through to completion. Graduates will regularly meet with their line manager to discuss their progress, areas of interest and plan future development activities

Our Building Physics engineers support our building engineering and sustainability colleagues and carry out independent consultancy for a range of clients. Along with core Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) services assessing plant sizing, compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and production of EPCs, our team also carries out LEED and ASHRAE modelling, CIBSE TM54 energy analyses, daylight modelling, thermal comfort and ventilation modelling, low and zero carbon technologies feasibility studies, and support the development of mixed use masterplans.

Examples of projects the Building Physics team are involved in include:

• Work for Government Departments – we work for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Department of Leveling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC), the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government and The Committee on Climate Change supporting the development of policy and undertaking research projects. Members of our team are providing technical leadership and both commercial and residential modelling support to the development of Part L of the Building Regulations modelling including the 2025 Future Homes Standard.
• Energy Strategy Work – Our building physics team developed the energy and sustainability vision and strategy for the University of Cyprus, Nicosia. Campus energy demand was modelled and scenarios to reduce and decarbonise both heating and cooling were tested and reported.
• Healthcare – We have worked as part of AECOM’s multidisciplinary design team on a number of healthcare projects, including the recently completed Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, which won the CIBSE Healthcare project of the Year 2022. During the design stage we were responsible for undertaking Building Regulations compliance assessments, including to demonstrate compliance with BREEAM “Excellent” requirements, along with other studies (e.g. thermal comfort assessments) to support the design team.
• Residential – With the newly adopted Part O of the Building Regulations, our team are often engaged at early design stages to evaluate different strategies towards achieving compliance with the overheating standard. We advise on the requirement for opening windows, considering health and safety limitations; but where windows are insufficient, or site conditions preclude their use, offer alternative solutions to the design team.
• BREEAM assessments – we have been involved in the assessment of over 300 buildings targeting or achieving a BREEAM rating of Excellent or Outstanding. Many of these assessments are supported by our building physics team. One example is the Glaxo Smith Klein Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry, University of Nottingham, UK. After receiving an “Outstanding” BREEAM rating, the building was awarded the “Post Construction Award for a Public Sector Project”. It also has a LEED Platinum rating.
• Film and Television – We are an integral part of AECOM’s design team on a number of film and television studio developments, including the new Eastbrook Studios in the south of England. As part of the planning application, we were responsible for modelling the buildings to show compliance with the Greater London Authority’s planning policy for carbon emissions and energy efficiency. These are a key part of the planning application in Greater London, without which schemes do not get planning permission.

What you'll need

Minimum Requirements

• Engineering or related STEM degree at 2:1 (or equivalent) or above.
• Maths and physics A-Levels (or equivalent) at grade ‘B’ or above preferred but not essential
• Ability to demonstrate an interest in working in the mechanical engineering or building services fields.
• Experience of or degree modules relating to; building physics, use of modelling software, engineering specifically, and a range of renewable energy technologies.
• Knowledge of the built environment would be preferred but not essential.
• Some experience or knowledge of software packages associated with modelling DTM and or CFD (preferred but not essential).
• Be creative, practical, adaptable and enthusiastic.
• Be highly motivated with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with experience of working collaboratively.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Ability to think in a methodical way to design, plan and organise parts of projects.
• Able to work independently as part of a team.
• Fluent English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience / placement experience relevant to Building Physics / Building Physics would be advantageous.

What we offer

We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients. We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business. We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career. When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts – planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers – leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let’s get started. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.