Careers in building services engineering, smart buildings and building physics
Discover the essential skills to launch your career as a Building Services Engineer, Smart Building Consultant, Building Physics Engineer, or Sustainable Building Consultant.
As buildings become increasingly complex, integrated, and smart, the need for professionals who can design, manage, and innovate within this space has never been greater. There is a rapidly evolving job market with a diverse range of career opportunities focussed on designing and engineering buildings with more efficient integrated services.
A master’s degree such as Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc is an excellent route to unlock these careers. It demonstrates to your future employer your in-depth skills and knowledge gained from a well-known university, giving them confidence in your ability to undertake the role. A degree gives you workplace-ready practical experiences of using technical software, tools and methods, ready to tackle future building challenges with innovative thinking.
What types of roles are there and what skills do they require?
Building Services Engineers play a crucial role in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of systems that make buildings comfortable, functional, and safe. The main systems are heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Graduates will need strong foundational knowledge in building physics and environmental engineering, as well as proficiency in advanced dynamic thermal modelling tools like EnergyPlus/DesignBuilder and Modelica/Dymola and methods such as sensitivity/uncertainty analyses and optimisation. Practical experience in applying machine learning algorithms, within the Python environment, to evaluate and optimise building operations will also be highly beneficial in this role.
Smart Building Consultant
As a Smart Building Consultant, graduates will advise on the integration of advanced technologies into building management systems. These professionals focus on enhancing energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and building sustainability by leveraging IoT devices, sensors, and data analytics. Essential skills include a deep understanding of smart building technologies, data analysis, and the ability to interpret and act on real-time data insights.
Building Energy Analyst
Building Energy Analysts are responsible for assessing the energy performance of buildings and recommending ways to improve efficiency. This role requires expertise in the assessments of building energy performance, using advanced modelling and simulation tools to analyse and optimise efficiency, and expertise in the analysis and interpretation of complex data sets. Graduates will need to be proficient in data analytics, using software such as Python, and should have a solid understanding of the regulatory frameworks and of the mechanisms governing energy use in buildings. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and implementing effective energy-saving measures.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants work with organizations to develop and implement strategies that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in building design and operation. Graduates interested in this career path should focus on acquiring knowledge in sustainable building practices, lifecycle assessment, and environmental certifications such as LEED and BREEAM. Skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication are also essential, as sustainability consultants often work across various teams and disciplines to achieve their goals.
Building Physics Engineer
Building Physics Engineers specialise in the analysis and application of physical principles to the design, analysis and optimisation of buildings. Their work encompasses energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality, with a focus on the interactions between the outdoor climate, the building and its occupants. They are involved in both new construction and retrofit projects, using computational modelling to assess and enhance building performance. To excel in this role, graduates need a strong understanding of building science, advanced computational modelling skills, and the ability to work with interdisciplinary teams. These engineers tackle a diverse range of challenges, from improving building envelopes and maintaining moisture balance to developing innovative, sustainable design solutions that meet modern standards and enhance occupant well-being. Knowledge of the latest research in building materials and building fabric technologies is also important for driving innovation in building design.
Research Analyst specialising in Low Carbon Buildings
For those interested in academia or industry research, a role as a Research Analyst focused on low-carbon buildings could be a perfect fit. This career path involves conducting research on innovative building technologies, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable design practices. Graduates will need strong research skills, including data analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex findings effectively. A background in environmental policy and knowledge of global sustainability trends will enhance the impact of their research.
Where do UCL’s Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc graduates work?
UCL’s Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc’s graduates are now employed by leading engineering firms such as WSP, Atkins, Mott MacDonald, Hoare Lea, JLL, Buro Happold, BAM Nuttal, and Kier Group. Many have also launched their own start-ups and businesses, leveraging the expertise gained during their degree.
The multitude of softwares and programming tools that I learnt through this course have enhanced my technical competence and confidence in the core themes while increasing my career prospects. I am also very pleased with the fact that we choose two optional courses, as I was able to tailor the course to suit my interests and the path I wished to take." - Apurva Jaishankar, first destination after graduating Graduate Building Services Engineer at Atkins
UCL’s team of experienced careers professionals are dedicated to helping you find the right path to ensure success in your future career. UCL Careers provide support to help you find graduate jobs or further study positions and advise you on the opportunities you have during your time at UCL. From your first day at UCL and up to three years after you graduate, you can access bespoke one-to-one appointments, career events and activities programme featuring employers and alumni, confidence-boosting insights, online resources, and opportunities to increase your employability.
TL;DR
A master’s degree in Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering can open career paths as a Building Services Engineer, Smart Building Consultant, Building Energy Analyst, Sustainability Consultant, Building Physics Engineer or in smart and low carbon building research. Studying a degree both teaches you how to use required software, tools and methods required to succeed in these roles and demonstrates to your future employers you have the competencies required to thrive in the job.
Are you interested in studying Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc at UCL?
Learn about the skills and knowledge you will gain ready for your future career innovating the design and operation of smarter, more efficient buildings.