Image 2025 04 25 T14 13 16

Posted on 23 July 2025

​Whether you're a graduate looking to get started or an experienced engineer feeling the itch for change, the decision of where you work has a huge impact on your day-to-day, development, salary trajectory, and work-life balance. We've placed engineers into every single one of these environments. Here's what you actually need to know — no sugar-coating, just real-world insight.

1. Consulting Engineering Firms

What You'll Do:

Produce concept designs, technical calculations, and detailed MEP packages

Coordinate with architects and structural engineers

Attend client meetings and support planning submissions

Use software like Revit, Hevacomp, IES, Dialux, AutoCAD

Salaries:

Graduate: £28K–£35K

Intermediate: £38K–£50K

Senior: £50K–£65K

Associate: £65K–£80K+

Benefits:

Chartership support (CIBSE/IET)

Flexible working

Wellbeing initiatives

Good progression clarity

Regular CPD & training

Work-Life Balance:

Predictable. 37.5-40 hour weeks. Project peaks can create pressure, but generally steady.

Key Considerations:

Pros:

Structured learning and progression

High technical standard

Strong exposure to clients and early-stage design

Cons:

Less exposure to install and delivery

Can feel process-heavy or slow-paced

2. Design & Build Contractors

What You'll Do:

Take consultant-level drawings and adapt for site use

Coordinate heavily with BIM, delivery and install teams

Solve buildability issues before and during construction

Use Revit, Navisworks, Fabrication CADmep

Salaries:

Intermediate: £45K–£55K

Senior: £55K–£70K

Design Manager: £70K–£90K+

Benefits:

Higher earning potential than consultancy

Project bonuses

Company cars/allowances

More autonomy and site exposure

Work-Life Balance:

Faster pace. Deadlines are tighter. Expect 45-hour weeks, especially nearing handover.

Key Considerations:

Pros:

Immediate feedback from site and install teams

Tangible, fast-paced projects

Strong buildability focus and leadership growth

Cons:

Can be reactive and deadline-driven

Less time spent on conceptual design

3. MEP Subcontractors

What You'll Do:

Coordinate detailed designs for install

Work closely with site managers, fabrication and delivery teams

Liaise with BIM and CAD teams

Solve clashes and installation issues

Salaries:

Intermediate: £40K–£50K

Senior: £55K–£65K

Design Manager: £65K–£80K

Benefits:

Overtime or TOIL

Project-based bonuses

Site allowances and travel covered

Strong technical development

Work-Life Balance:

Highly dependent on the project. Expect longer hours during install and commissioning phases. More reactive.

Key Considerations:

Pros:

Direct exposure to how systems are actually built

Strong coordination experience

High responsibility for design integrity

Cons:

Less creative freedom

Culture and workload can vary widely between projects

4. Client-Side / Developer / Estates

What You'll Do:

Oversee consultant and contractor design teams

Review compliance, programme, and performance

Set MEP briefs and maintain design standards

Manage long-term lifecycle and energy considerations

Salaries:

Advisor: £50K–£60K

Senior: £60K–£75K

Head of MEP: £80K–£100K+

Benefits:

High pension (up to 20%+)

Up to 40 days annual leave

Protected working hours

Strong family and lifestyle benefits

Work-Life Balance:

Excellent. Most roles are standard 9–5. Very few emergencies.

Key Considerations:

Pros:

Greater strategic input and influence

Long-term ownership of projects

Great lifestyle balance and job security

Cons:

Less hands-on engineering

Slower project cycles and progression

5. Building Services Manufacturers

What You'll Do:

Design or customise technical systems (HVAC, BMS, lighting)

Provide pre-sales and tech support to engineers and contractors

Support R&D, product design, or testing

Salaries:

Applications/Design: £35K–£50K

Senior/Pre-sales: £50K–£65K

Product Manager: £70K–£90K+

Benefits:

Company car or travel allowance

Strong commercial bonuses (esp. in client-facing roles)

Global training & progression

Travel opportunities

Work-Life Balance:

Predictable and steady. Often office or home-based. Rarely project-dependent.

Key Considerations:

Pros:

Focused product expertise

Good commercial and technical blend

Strong job stability

Cons:

Limited project variety

Often more aligned with sales and support than design ownership

What’s Right for You?

Business Type

Technical Depth

Project Variety

Buildability Focus

Site Exposure

Work-Life Balance

Consultancy

High

High

Low

Low

Strong

D&B Contractor

Medium

Medium

High

High

Moderate

MEP Subcontractor

Very High

Low-Med

Very High

Very High

Variable

Client-Side / Developer

Medium

Low

Medium

Low

Excellent

Manufacturer

Medium

Low

Medium

Low-Med

Very Strong

Want to map out your next step? Elev8 can help you make the right move — not just for the job you want today, but the career you want in 5 years.

Share this article