Graduate Energy Engineer (Building Sustainability) Leeds 2023

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.

Job Summary

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, supporting the development of Building Regulations and National planning policy relating to climate change, to developing energy and sustainability strategies supporting the design and planning of new development and the regeneration of existing communities.

Our Manchester and Leeds teams combine both broad sustainability services, district energy feasibility and design, research and policy development, building physics and building energy modelling and strategic advisory work. Our energy engineers support our building engineering and sustainability colleagues and carry out independent consultancy for a range of clients including local authorities, National Government and private-sector clients.

Our energy engineers undertake energy mapping and masterplanning, techno-economic feasibility and detailed project development studies taking district energy network opportunities to outline business case, through planning. to the technical skills involved in delivering these studies include learning to use GIS mapping tools, modelling networks using MS Excel, stakeholder engagement, site surveys and report writing. Effective written and verbal communication skills are key. Projects are at a local level and at a city scale. Our team also supports national government departments in developing future policy to support the role out of energy networks and provides technical support to the development of national building regulations for all four devolved administrations.

Examples of projects the Energy team are involved in include:

• District Energy Feasibility and Detailed Project Development. Identifying, exploring and commercialising district energy network opportunities for a range of local authorities, cities and towns including, in the North of the UK, Leeds, Manchester, Huddersfield, Bridlington, Goole and Beverley.
• Work for Government Departments – we work for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Ministry of Levelling 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 supporting pilot programmes for city-scale decarbonisation and the pilot implementation of a national programme for Heat Network Zoning. Our wider 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 energy team supported the development of an energy and sustainability vision and strategy for the University of Cyprus, Nicosia. Campus energy demand was modelled and scenarios to reduce and decarbonize both heating and cooling were tested and reported. We frequently undertake similar work for a variety of new developments around the UK.

When a graduate starts with us, we pair them with an experienced energy engineer who will guide and mentor them through their initial period working on live projects. On the job training is provided to ensure our engineers build the design skills required for the role. AECOM runs a comprehensive graduate training program to develop skills in areas including clear communication and report writing, client presentation and financial management. Early work with us will typically involve:

• Processing energy demand data in MS Excel
• Producing GIS maps showing energy demand and supply information, proposed network routes, constraints etc.
• Developing and using energy system models in MS Excel and other packages
• Preparing and delivering presentations to a variety of stakeholders
• Undertaking site surveys of a wide variety of buildings
• Preparing written reports suitable for both technical and non-technical readers
• Attending meetings and workshops with clients and other professionals such as financial, commercial and legal consultants.
• Understanding and undertaking early energy calculations
• Supporting the engineers in producing information for inclusion into the main report
• 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.

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 or infrastructure design, renewable and low carbon energy, engineering specifically.
• Knowledge of the built environment would be 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
• An awareness of health and safety, environmental factors and sustainability in all aspects of engineering projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant placement / work experience would be advantageous
• You must have the Right to Work in the UK already in place as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

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. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.