Principal Building Services Engineer

As a Principal Engineer, you will play a key role in leading the delivery of complex building services projects, providing technical direction, and mentoring engineers across the team. You will work closely with clients, architects, and other design disciplines, helping to shape innovative, high-quality, and sustainable engineering solutions.

Ridge works across a wide variety of sectors including education, commercial, life sciences, residential, industrial, leisure, and mixed-use developments. This role offers the opportunity to be involved from early concept stages through to completion on some truly diverse and challenging projects.

About the role

Building services engineers design, install and maintain the systems that allow buildings to function effectively and efficiently. These systems include heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, power, public health, life safety, sustainability, and energy systems.

As a Principal Building Services Engineer, you will take responsibility for the technical leadership of projects, support business development activity, and contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the Cambridge engineering team.

Key responsibilities

Providing technical leadership across multiple building services projects

Leading mechanical and building services design from feasibility through to completion

Producing and reviewing high-quality engineering reports, drawings, and specifications in line with RIBA stages

Managing project delivery, resources, and programme to ensure successful outcomes

Mentoring, supporting, and developing junior and senior engineers within the team

Liaising closely with clients, architects, structural engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders

Attending and leading design team meetings, client meetings, and technical workshops

Undertaking and overseeing design calculations using industry-standard software

Using CAD and BIM tools (including Revit and IES) to deliver coordinated designs

Providing construction-stage support, including technical reviews and site inspections

Contributing to bids, work-winning, and client relationship development

Ensuring compliance with current legislation, standards, and health & safety requirements

A degree (or equivalent) in Building Services Engineering or a related engineering discipline

Significant experience in a senior or principal-level building services engineering role

Chartered status (CEng) or working towards chartership with a relevant institution (e.g. CIBSE, IMechE)

Strong technical design capability across a range of building services systems

Proven experience leading projects and managing design teams

Excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage directly with clients

A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams

A passion for quality, sustainability, and innovative engineering solutions