Air Conditioning Engineer

Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer | Building Services | Winchester / Hampshire | £45,000–£49,000 + Paid Door-to-Door Travel + Overtime + Company Vehicle

Installation-Focused Role | Supportive Team | Specialist Defence & Government Projects | No On-Call | Career Development

An established specialist Building Services contractor is looking to appoint a Lead Air Conditioning Installation Engineer to join its experienced engineering team.

This is an opportunity to join a business where people support one another, take pride in their work and value the contribution each person makes. You will work alongside experienced engineers, Project Managers and Directors, taking ownership of installations while having access to technical knowledge and practical support across the business.

The company recognises that its people are its greatest asset and is committed to providing a positive working environment where they can develop and build long-term careers. Your experience will be valued, your ideas will be welcomed and you will have opportunities to share your knowledge and help less experienced engineers develop.

The business delivers specialist mechanical, electrical and associated infrastructure works within defence and secure government environments. These are settings where installation quality, reliability, professionalism and discretion are essential.

Your work will focus on the installation, commissioning and handover of air conditioning and heat pump systems. You will remain hands-on while organising work on your allocated sites, supporting colleagues and helping deliver a high standard of finished installation.

There is no domestic work and no on-call rota. Projects are located throughout the UK, with occasional overseas assignments, offering variety for someone who enjoys working in different environments.

The Opportunity

You will lead the practical delivery of air conditioning installations, coordinating day-to-day activities and working closely with the project team from site preparation through to commissioning and handover.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Installing and commissioning split, multi-split and VRF/VRV air conditioning systems
• Interpreting drawings, plans and specifications to establish installation requirements
• Installing associated pipework, containment and supports
• Supporting the installation of controls and leak-detection systems
• Organising work and providing clear instructions to engineers, trainees and other site labour
• Guiding junior team members and checking that allocated activities are carried out safely and competently
• Coordinating materials, equipment and other installation requirements
• Maintaining installation standards and completing relevant records and handover information
• Liaising with Project Managers, clients and other trades to resolve practical issues and maintain progress
• Supporting site surveys and providing technical information for quotations and tenders

You will work closely with the AC Manager, senior supervisors and the wider engineering team, drawing on their experience while contributing your own practical knowledge.

There is also scope to support F-Gas records, manufacturer installer schemes and improvements to installation practices, alongside attending relevant technical and manufacturer training.

About You

You will be an experienced Air Conditioning Installation Engineer with strong practical skills and the confidence to take responsibility for the quality and organisation of your work.

We are looking for:

• NVQ Level 3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• F-Gas Category 1 certification
• At least three years' post-qualification experience
• Proven installation experience with split, multi-split and VRF/VRV systems
• Experience installing air conditioning and heat pump systems in commercial or industrial environments
• Confidence interpreting drawings, specifications and installation requirements
• The ability to organise work, coordinate materials and support other team members
• A practical understanding of commissioning and handover requirements
• Strong communication skills and a professional approach with clients
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work away when required

Previous experience leading installations or supervising a small team would be advantageous. Applications are also welcomed from experienced installers ready to take on greater responsibility.

IPAF, PASMA, CSCS and First Aid qualifications would be useful, as would experience within defence or other controlled operational environments.

You should take pride in your workmanship, enjoy sharing knowledge and be comfortable working independently while remaining part of a wider team.

What's on Offer?

• £45,000–£49,000 basic salary, depending on experience
• Company Vehicle
• Paid door-to-door travel
• Overtime opportunities, with applicable overtime rates
• Mobile phone
• An installation-focused role
• No on-call rota
• No domestic work
• Technical and manufacturer training
• Support for continued professional development and relevant qualifications
• Scope for career development and increasing responsibility
• A supportive team where your experience and contribution are valued

You will join a business offering varied technical projects and the opportunity to build a long-term career while helping develop the engineers working alongside you.

Location and Travel

The company is based in South Hampshire, with projects throughout the UK and occasional overseas assignments.

The role involves travel to project sites and working away where required. The office location, travel arrangements and working-away expectations will be discussed during an initial confidential conversation.

Applicants must hold a UK passport and be able to obtain the security clearance required for the company's projects.

Interested?

If you are an experienced Air Conditioning Installation Engineer looking for ownership of your work, paid travel and a supportive team where you can develop, please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact Rob Green at David Leslie Ltd for a confidential and informal discussion.

This opportunity would suit candidates currently working as an:

• Lead Air Conditioning Engineer
• Air Conditioning Installation Engineer
• Senior Air Conditioning Engineer
• Air Conditioning Installation Supervisor
• HVAC Installation Engineer