Graduate Engineer

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The Pirbright Institute is offering an exciting opportunity for a newly graduated engineer to join our Estates Maintenance Services (EMS) department. This foundational role provides the successful candidate with the chance to gain valuable, practical experience across various aspects of Building Management Systems (BMS).

As a BMS Graduate Engineer, you will work within the EMS department, supporting the design, operation, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of specialist plant control systems. The role offers opportunities to build proficiency in engineering containment management, with potential secondments to other areas of the Institute to further broaden your skill set. With demonstrated competence, there is potential to progress into more senior roles within Pirbright, subject to availability.

The BMS Graduate Engineer will report directly to the Operations Manager within Estates Management Services and will contribute to the resilience and succession planning of the Process and Operations Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated graduate to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, with the potential for career advancement.

Main duties and responsibility

You will develop knowledge and experience, working towards playing a pivotal role in supporting the Building Automation Control Systems (BACS) team responsible for monitoring and operating site critical plant and equipment, which will include:

Key Responsibilities and Areas of Development

• Develop knowledge of key plant and equipment supporting high-containment biological research facilities to ensure compliance and operational continuity.
• Support BMS installation, working with contractors to integrate new infrastructure and systems.
• Assist with commissioning, ensuring BMS systems meet standards, perform efficiently, and are quality assured.
• Help troubleshoot and maintain BMS systems, resolving issues and supporting reliable operation.
• Support the BMS Supervisor with BACS processes, attend team meetings, and develop leadership skills through assigned tasks.

Broaden Your Institute Experience

• Gain cross-functional insight through short-term secondments with teams such as BMS Operations, Capital Projects, and Process Safety.
• Build familiarity with compliance and specialist systems, applying methods like RCM and RCA to support data-driven maintenance strategies.
• Working closely with EMS Process Safety team to become familiar with techniques such as Hazards and Operability (HAZOP), Failure Mode and Effects
• Analysis (FMEA), Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), What If & Structured What If Techniques (WI & SWIFT) or Layers of Protection
• Analysis (LOPA) etc, to determine equipment criticality to improve maintenance & reliability programs and maximise PPM effectiveness
• Support continuous improvement by identifying and implementing process enhancements alongside the BACS Operations Manager, using CI methodologies.
• Contribute to technical reviews of plant and equipment through lifecycle assessments, obsolescence studies, and opportunity reports in collaboration with others. 

Specific requirements

Essential

• Graduates ideally from/with a controls or systems engineering background.
• Experience using a variety of information management systems.
• Valid UK driving license.
• Excellent communication skills, able to communicate technical subjects to various levels and areas of staff.
• Effective team player.
• Demonstration of problem solving and solution focused.
• Flexibility to work outside core office hours if required.
• Demonstrate an enquiring mind and ability to work from concepts to completion.

Desirable

• Experience of CAD, 3D modelling and Document Control packages.
• Experience of Health and Safety, fire and other relevant legislation.
• Able to work independently in project delivery.
• Supervisory responsibilities (work or non-work related)

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.