BMS Project Design Engineer
Department: BMS Projects
Reports to: Principal Engineer
Location: London & South‑East (hybrid)
Type: Full‑time
Purpose
Own building management system (BMS) design and controller software through the full project lifecycle—supporting Estimating and Projects so delivery is predictable, testable, safe, and handover‑ready.
What “great” looks like (Key Outcomes)
* Complete, coordinated design packs issued to programme dates with minimal rework.
* Clear, testable Des Ops and Cause and Effect (C&E) / functional test schedules that commission smoothly.
* Controller software built from standard libraries and loaded for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), with clean backups and change logs.
* Specifications critically evaluated early; risks/opportunities surfaced and resolved via Requests for Information (RFIs) and submittals.
* Compliance and cyber basics demonstrably in place (see responsibilities).
* Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) packs complete at Practical Completion; supervisor/HMI graphics and the end‑user manual accepted on first issue.
Core Responsibilities
1) Pre‑Contract & Estimating Support
* Review sales handover, preliminary design and quotation; highlight risks and opportunities; raise RFIs/submittals.
* Critically evaluate mechanical and electrical (M&E) specifications and plant/control philosophies for clarity, safety, efficiency and testability.
* Assist Estimating with points schedules, outline equipment selections, integration notes, and value‑engineering options; protect margin and lead times.
* Read the programme, understand Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage context, maintain a design risk register and change‑control notes.
2) System Design & Documentation
Produce and maintain the full design pack:
* Description of Operation (Des Ops) / Sequence of Operation
* Network topology and addressing plans
* I/O schedules and points lists
* Control panel schematics and Bill of Materials
* Schedule of Functional tests / Cause & Effect
* Supervisor/HMI graphics to agreed standards.
* End‑user manual
* O&M compilation to the accepted format
* Digital delivery and data
3) Control Software & FAT
* Build controller strategy from the Des Ops using agreed naming, standard libraries and an explicit alarm philosophy.
* Use a simulator/test harness and scripted tests for repeatable Factory Acceptance Testing; document coverage and defects.
4) Project Delivery Support
* Attend design/technical meetings; keep decisions visible and current (decision log).
* Support commissioning (clarifications, minor strategy updates agreed with the Principal Engineer/Project Manager).
* Provide commissioning pack documents (as‑designed Des Ops, network plans, test sheets, initial backups, trend lists).
* Coordinate panel procurement (long‑lead items), inspection and test plans (ITPs) and factory witness tests with the Principal Engineer/Project Manager.
5) Quality, Compliance, Safety & Cyber (UK‑specific)
* Panels and wiring: design/verify to BS EN 61439 (derating, heat, segregation); apply BS 7671 implications for controls (safe isolation, earthing and basic electromagnetic compatibility).
* Energy and performance: consider Building Regulations Part L (2021), CIBSE TM39 (metering) and CIBSE TM54 (predicted vs actual); note BREEAM/NABERS UK touchpoints where specified.
* Building Safety Act - “Golden Thread”: maintain clear digital records, traceability and change control appropriate for BMS & Smart Homes work.
* OT/IT security: apply IEC 62443‑aware practices; define user roles and password policy; use multi‑factor authentication (MFA) and VPN for remote access; patch where applicable; segregate networks with virtual LANs (VLANs) and access control lists (ACLs); and document backup/restore drills.
* Modern protocols and integration: keep up to date with modern communications and integration protocols, such as BACnet secure, KNX secure and their implications upon the system design.
6) Continuous Improvement
* Feed estimating and delivery with lessons learned; improve libraries, graphics standards and test scripts.
* Use modern tooling: Git for strategy/graphics version control; Jira/Azure DevOps for issues/changes; light Python/SQL for trend parsing and data checks.
Scope & Level
Focus on design production, software build, and coordination; may mentor juniors informally. Ownership of company‑wide standards sits with the Principal Engineer.
Required Skills & Experience
* Proven BMS design delivery: Des Ops, I/O schedules, network topologies, control panel schematics.
* Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plant understanding: such as boilers and heat pumps; chillers; low‑temperature hot water (LTHW) and chilled water (CHW) systems; air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units (FCUs), variable air volume (VAV); and variable refrigerant flow/volume (VRF/VRV) gateways.
* Hydronic control nuance: such as differential pressure (DP) control, valve authority, ΔT/ΔP strategies, pressurisation/expansion, domestic hot water (DHW) hygiene, heat pumps and multi‑source plant: bivalence, defrost logic, weather compensation, buffer/storage control.
* Hands‑on controller programming on Trend, Niagara/Tridium and Distech (libraries, alarms, schedules).
* Standards awareness: BS EN 61439, BS 7671 basics for controls, BS 5839/BS 7346‑8 interfaces, Part L/TM39/TM54 context.
* Networking and cyber: VLANs, ACLs, NTP; BACnet/SC basics; familiarity with OPC UA/MQTT; sound remote‑access hygiene.
* Commissioning science: proportional–integral–derivative (PID) tuning, seasonal commissioning, alarm philosophy, trend‑based performance checks.
* Residential integrations: DALI‑2 and KNX for lighting/shades; clear boundaries with security, audio‑visual and life‑safety systems.
* Strong written and verbal communication, stakeholder management and conflict resolution; able to deliver concise end‑user training.
Desirable Certifications
* BCIA modules;
* Manufacturer/Systems training courses, such as: Tridium Niagara N4; Trend CTS; Distech ECLYPSE; KNX
* ECS/CSCS;
* IET/CIBSE membership and CPD record.
Qualifications
* Degree/HND in Building Services, Controls or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
* Relevant manufacturer training and ongoing CPD.
#J-18808-Ljbffr