MEP Engineer

In the architectural engineering field, the acronym MEP stands for “mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.” In particular, this refers to things like a building’s heating or cooling systems, plumbing for the sinks, or electrical wiring. As an MEP Engineer, you’re an expert on these systems, and you work with Builders and Architects during the construction of a building to provide consultation and design help.

There’s an MEP system in every building, so you have a lot of options when it comes to the types of jobs you can choose if you decide to be a MEP Engineer. You might plan where the lights and their switches will go in an office building, rework fire alarms for an elementary school, or plan out where a security system will be installed in a home. You can also design a sprinkler system or wire the lights at a sports stadium as a MEP Engineer.

No matter what you’re doing, though, you start every job by having a discussion with the client. You find out what they want, and from there, you design a system and make a plan. You create a budget and timeline, and lay out the details, like the type of materials needed.

MEPs often use the computer program AutoCad. This lets you design in 3D, and quickly remove or change any systems that you’ve created. As the project moves from plan to completion, you keep an eye on things like timing, budget, and quality to make sure your client gets exactly what they’re looking for.