HVAC Engineer (Building Services)

Nelson Permanent Placements are recruiting for a Building Services HVAC engineer to work mobile on live purpose built student accomodation around Leeds and the surrounding area. The role is delivering planned preventive maintenance, reactive repairs and minor works on heating ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out PPM on HVAC plant to SFG20 schedules and manufacturer requirements, including AHUs, MVHR and MEV units, fan coil units, extract and supply fans, split and VRF/VRV air conditioning, air source heat pumps and associated controls. Diagnose and repair reactive faults on HVAC and refrigeration systems within contracted response and rectification times, including electrical and controls faults on HVAC equipment.
• Undertake F-Gas compliant work including leak checking, recovery, charging and commissioning, and maintain refrigerant logs and records in line with F-Gas regulations. Replace filters, belts, bearings, motors, dampers and other components, and carry out airflow measurement and balancing where required.
• Interface with BMS and local controls to diagnose faults, adjust setpoints and time schedules, and optimise plant performance and energy use. Support ventilation hygiene and TR19 requirements, and report on condition of ductwork, grilles and plant.
• Assist with installation, replacement and commissioning of HVAC equipment on small works and projects. Record all work accurately and in real time on the HPS mobile job management / CAFM system, including asset data, readings, photographs, defects and parts used, so that compliance records are audit-ready.
• Identify and report remedial works, producing clear defect descriptions and, where requested, supporting the preparation of quotations for additional works.
• Work safely under HPS safe systems of work, including RAMS, permits to work, safe isolation and lock-out/tag-out, and complete dynamic risk assessments on site. Liaise professionally with client site teams, residents and other contractors, recognising that sites are occupied residential buildings and minimising disruption to students. Qualifications and experience: essential
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, HVAC or Mechanical Engineering Services.
• F-Gas Category 1 certification (Regulation 2015/2067 or current UK equivalent).
• Proven experience maintaining commercial HVAC plant, including AHUs, split/VRF systems and ventilation systems.
• Competent electrical fault-finding on HVAC equipment, including safe isolation.
• Full UK driving licence (company van provided). CSCS / ECS / JIB or equivalent skills card (or willingness to obtain).
• Right to work in the UK and willingness to undergo a DBS check (roles involve working in occupied student residences). Qualifications and experience: desirable
• Experience of MVHR and MEV systems in residential or PBSA buildings.
• Heat pump qualifications (e.g. air source heat pump installation and maintenance). BMS experience (e.g. Trend, Siemens, Honeywell) and controls commissioning.
• Manufacturer training (e.g. Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Nuaire).
• BESA / TR19 ventilation hygiene awareness, 18th Edition, IPAF or PASMA.
• Previous experience in a multi-site FM or managed services environment. Skills and behaviours
• Self-motivated and well organised, able to plan your own day across multiple sites with minimal supervision.
• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding approach, with the confidence to take ownership of a problem through to resolution. Customer-focused, polite and professional in resident-facing environments.
• Safety-first mindset, with no shortcuts on isolations, permits or documentation.
• Comfortable with mobile technology and digital job reporting.
• A team player, willing to share knowledge, support colleagues and mentor apprentices or improvers.

What we offer

• Basic salary: £41,000 to £48,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Company van and fuel card for business use.
• Overtime available at enhanced rates, including during the summer turnaround period.
• Fully funded training and tickets, including refresher courses, manufacturer training and additional qualifications that support your development.
• Company pension scheme.
• Uniform, PPE and handheld job management device provided.
• Genuine career progression within a growing MES division, including routes into supervisory, technical lead and specialist roles. How to Apply: This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Nelson Permanent Placements Ltd. The services of Nelson Permanent Placements Ltd are that of an Employment Agency. Please be advised that our client can only accept applications from candidates who have a valid legal permit or right to work in the United Kingdom. Potential candidates who do not have this right or permit or are pending an application to obtain this right or permit should not apply as your details will not be processed