From graduate to HVAC expert: mechanical engineering at AtkinsRéalis

I'm Ikechukwu, a mechanical engineer at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. I recently finished the graduate scheme and now work within the HVAC sector in the Building Services team. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and it refers to systems designed to regulate indoor temperature, airflow, and air quality for comfort and efficiency in buildings. In this blog, I talk about my role and my part in shaping healthy, productive buildings that will sustain our changing populations and lifestyles.

How I use my mechanical engineering degree to design healthier, more efficient buildings

The impact of COVID-19 has increased the need for improved indoor air quality (IAQ). We require higher ventilation rates to reduce the concentration of airborne pathogens, which increases energy consumption. Engineers must find more efficient ways to manage fresh air intake. The challenge is that different spaces have varying numbers of people and uses, especially with hybrid working. Engineers must design systems that keep spaces comfortable for everyone, regardless of use, while staying energy efficient. In my role, I design HVAC systems using advanced technologies like demand-controlled ventilation, heat recovery systems, and advanced filtration to minimize energy use. However, these technologies often involve higher upfront costs, which can deter clients and stakeholders.

What skills do mechanical engineers need for a successful career in HVAC?

Working on various projects in these sectors has exposed me to varied design and operational requirements, given that each industry has unique codes and standards. Therefore, I have navigated compliance across these sectors, such as safety in nuclear, scalability in residential and sustainability in education, whilst broadening my knowledge across multiple areas of mechanical engineering. The skills that have been the most valuable are communication, teamwork, adaptability and technical expertise. These skills have prepared me to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully across diverse industries.

Why heat pumps excite me and their role in sustainable HVAC design?

Heat pumps have so many exciting applications. Their ability to absorb low-grade heat from one space and then transport, concentrate and reject it to another using the refrigeration cycle is remarkable. Heat pumps improve energy efficiency due to having a high coefficient of performance (COP) and use low global-warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, which, in the event of a leakage, will result in a lower environmental impact on the atmosphere. An example of a particular heat pump I am interested in is ground source heat pumps, which employ stable underground temperatures for heating and cooling, making them very useful in my field.

How AtkinsRéalis supports graduate engineers in HVAC and beyond?

AtkinsRéalis offers soft skills development sessions as part of the graduate development programme, which played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of my career and enhancing my ability to collaborate with colleagues from various cultures and backgrounds. AtkinsRéalis also strongly encouraged me to pursue chartership, highlighting its benefits, such as global industry recognition, greater career opportunities and improved technical competence. With their support, I connected with a chartership mentor of my choice, who has been guiding me in developing a structured plan, identifying areas for improvement in my skills, knowledge, and experience, and tracking my progress toward achieving chartership status.

After being shortlisted for the award, I arranged weekly sessions with my line manager and senior colleagues, who helped refine my speech. Their constructive feedback and encouragement were instrumental, especially since I was ambivalent about applying. On the awards night, my family and colleagues attended, providing morale and support as I boldly delivered my presentation to an audience of over 300 people.

How do AtkinsRéalis graduates stay ahead of engineering trends?

AtkinsRéalis has helped me explore and leverage emerging trends through professional development opportunities and access to cutting-edge resources. The organization has encouraged my participation in CIBSE events, webinars and even knowledge-sharing sessions, providing insights into evolving priorities like demographic shifts, sustainability, and occupant well-being.

Tips for mechanical engineering graduates pursuing sustainable building design

Build a strong foundation in core concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, as these are fundamentals to HVAC and sustainable building design. This will ground your knowledge on any project you work on, regardless of the sector.

Familiarize yourself with software such as AutoCAD and Revit to understand how to draw schematics and layouts of the buildings you will design. Learn about green building certifications, such as BREEAM and LEED, and energy modeling software, such as IES, to understand how sustainability is measured and achieved. Stay current with industry trends and follow organizations like CIBSE and ASHRAE to stay adept with advancements and best practices. Pursue internships that involve HVAC design to understand how theoretical knowledge translates into practical solutions.

CIBSE technical resources and networking opportunities, which I use to increase my understanding of HVAC, have helped me succeed as a mechanical engineer. Attending conferences and industry events has also allowed me to learn from peers and expand my professional network.

Keen to use your mechanical engineering degree to shape healthier, happier cities? Explore these graduate opportunities in the Infrastructure team today.