Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Working Life

Building engineers design building services systems and bring buildings to life. They are responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of all the services required in any kind of building, from a home to an office block, a cinema to an airport.

There are two main aspects of building engineering: mechanical and electrical. Mechanical covers things such as air conditioning systems, ventilation and heating; electrical is concerned with aspects such as power, lighting, fire alarms and security.

Their input begins before construction starts and extends well into the operational life of a building. Building engineers work with the client, architects and structural engineers to develop and agree a brief for the building, which is then turned into a design to be installed by a contractor.

Once construction begins, building engineers monitor the performance of the installers to ensure the services are completed according to the design. Building engineers play a key role in ensuring that projects are energy efficient and sustainable. 

The job also includes safety and security systems such as fire prevention and detection, escape routes, CCTV and alarms.

Building engineers also face the challenge of ensuring that buildings are energy efficient to reduce overuse of energy sources and by doing so, help society to reduce the depletion of natural resources and minimise environmental pollution.

Their job includes estimating costs and materials and coordinating the work of others. They are also involved in the testing of installations and inspecting equipment and the work of others.  
 
Certain types of buildings need complex building services. For example, computer rooms need precise controls of temperature and humidity, hospital operating theatres must be completely sterile and factories must prevent any harmful fumes from going into the atmosphere. Office buildings, swimming pools, cold stores, museums and leisure centres also have particular requirements that building services engineers need to meet. 

Some building engineers are mainly office based as they specialise in design work. They work closely with the architect, the customer and other members of the design team to prepare a design for a building project. This includes all drawings and detailed specifications for use by the contractor on-site. They often use computer-aided design (CAD) packages for this work.  
 
Designs must meet environmental needs, use energy efficiently and meet the budget set by the customer. Engineers need overall knowledge of the full range of building services, although they usually specialise in either mechanical services or lighting/electrical services.  
 
Building engineers maintain close links with other professionals such as the construction manager and the surveyor to decide how many staff are needed and to work out costs. They supervise the installation of the building services and inspect the quality of the work, dealing with any problems that arise.

There is a range of career paths available to graduates of buildingengineering including:

• Design: designing layouts and requirements for building services for residential or commercial developments.
• Construction: supervising the construction of the building services, commissioning systems and ongoing maintenance and operation of services.
• Environmental: developing new energy saving methods for construction, designing new and improved energy conservation systems for buildings.
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC): specialising in the design, development, construction and operation of HVAC systems.
• Electrical technology: specialising in the design and development of electrical systems required for safe and energy sustaining operation of buildings.

You don't necessarily need a building engineering degree to work in this sector: a mechanical or electrical engineering degree is also usually accepted and some employers accept other engineering degrees if you have taken relevant modules.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
• Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
• Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
• Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
• Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
• Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
• Analyse survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
• Direct or participate in surveying to lay out installations or establish reference points, grades, or elevations to guide construction.
• Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.
• Prepare or present public reports on topics such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, or property and right-of-way descriptions.

Further Information

• Building Services Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Building Services Engineer- from: GradIreland
• Building Services Engineer- from: STEPS

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

In order to become a Building Engineer it is necessary to have a degree in engineering, ideally with a specialisation in Building Engineering. Most universities and Institutes of Technology offer engineering programmes, TU Dublin - City Campus offers a specific undergraduate NFQ level 7 program in Building Engineering.

It is possible to work as a Building Engineer with a primary degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or even Chemical or Electrical Engineering. 

As a Building engineering graduate you can work for:

• Engineering consultancy services.
• Building services contractors.
• Public authorities.
• Architects.
• Manufacturers.

Employers of Building engineering graduates include:

• ARUP Consulting Engineers
• PH McCarthy
• PJ Hegarty & Sons
• SISK

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: building design and technology, pre-university engineering.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: building design and technology, pre-university engineering.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: building engineering, building technology.

Search for CAO Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €90k

Salaries vary by employer, location, role, duties, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Lincoln /Brighwater / Clark/ Indeed/ Talent.com

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Civil engineers; Construction project managers and related professionals; Production managers; Directors in construction.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the annual average employment growth over the five-year period for this occupation was only marginally above the national average, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022. 

Census data indicates that civlil engineers account for over half of the employment in this group: the strongest growth since 2016 was for production managers/directors. 

Both the new employment permits issued and the mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey point to issues in sourcing civil, site and structural engineers along with construction project managers. In addition, the Skills for Growth data signals issues with sourcing civil engineers (including for water infrastructure and sustainability) and structural engineer roles (especially those with project management skills).

Demand for this occupation was also evident in the 12% increase in the number of job postings (OVATE) for civil engineers in 2022, with growing demand for skills in project management, teamwork, communication and adaptability. Demand for these roles is expected to continue as Ireland aims to meet housing and climate action targets. With employment increasing and issues with recruitment evident, shortages are likely to continue. 

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers - CIBSE

  • +44 (0)20 8675 5211
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here