Principal Building Physics Engineer

Overview

As Principal Building Physics Engineer, you lead building physics and energy modelling work across complex projects, shaping early design decisions and sustainability strategies. You will mentor a growing national capability and collaborate with MEP, Architecture, and Sustainability teams to deliver low-carbon, resilient buildings. The role combines technical leadership, client-facing advisory, and strategic input to advance net-zero and energy performance objectives. A key hook is shaping design decisions across diverse sectors while guiding a growing team.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of building physics workstreams on large, complex projects
• Oversee dynamic modelling (IES-VE, TAS, DesignBuilder) for thermal, energy, daylighting, overheating and comfort analyses
• Develop and review energy strategies, operational energy assessments (TM54), embodied carbon and net-zero design solutions
• Provide expert guidance on façade performance, passive design, solar control and fabric optimisation
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations (Part L, TM52/TM59, EPC) and support BREEAM/WELL/LEED credits
• Author technical reports and present findings to clients, partners and stakeholders
• Collaborate with MEP, Architecture, Sustainability and Digital Engineering to embed building physics in integrated design
• Influence early-stage design decisions (massing, orientation, glazing, shading) and natural ventilation feasibility
• Support development of digital workflows and modelling best practices across Buildings
• Act as a client-facing representative for building performance and sustainability topics
• Support bidding, scoping, planning and technical strategy for major opportunities
• Mentor graduates and early-career staff; contribute to shaping national building physics capability and innovation roadmap

Key requirements

• Extensive experience delivering building physics and energy modelling in a consultancy
• Advanced proficiency in IES-VE (or equivalent) including complex modelling and QA
• Strong understanding of passive design, low-carbon buildings and façade performance
• Demonstrable project leadership and ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams
• Excellent communication with ability to present technical information to clients
• Chartership (CEng) via CIBSE, IMechE or equivalent (preferred)
• Degree in Building Physics, Mechanical/Environmental Engineering, Building Services Engineering or related field
• Experience mentoring and line management (desirable)

• Strong client-facing communication
• Collaborative cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Mentoring and staff development
• IES-VE (or equivalent)
• Thermal and energy modelling
• Daylight, overheating and comfort analysis

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