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.