Markets · M&E
Quantity Surveyors in M&E.
An M&E QS handles the mechanical and electrical services in a building: heating, ventilation, power, lighting, water, fire and controls. Usually from the M&E contractor's side, as a subcontract package under a main contractor, which is where design risk and late information tend to land.
The work.
Pricing and procuring services packages, valuing work in progress, variations and the final account. On complex buildings, hospitals, laboratories and data centres, the services are often the largest single package on the job.
The M&E QS sits between a design that is still developing and a programme that is not waiting for it.
The contracts.
Mostly subcontracts: the JCT Design and Build Sub-Contract and the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Subcontract, usually amended by the main contractor. Design responsibility, retentions, payment terms and loss and expense are where the money is won and lost.
The clients.
Main contractors letting the packages. M&E contractors, from national firms to regional ones. On the client side, estates with heavy services: health, pharmaceuticals, data centres, universities.
What a good M&E QS has usually done.
Taken a services package through to final account, including the variations that came from coordination rather than from the client. Understands enough of the engineering to see where a change came from. Knows how to protect a subcontractor's position on retentions and payment. Has worked on at least one services-heavy building.
How careers move.
In. From an M&E trade or engineering background, or from a general QS role with an M&E contractor.
Through. To commercial manager with an M&E contractor.
Out. Main contractor side, managing M&E packages. Client side on a complex estate. Or across to electricity networks, with some learning.
Freelance QS work in M&E.
Final accounts and disputed variations on services packages are a common reason to bring in a freelance M&E QS for a defined piece of work. That is Delivery work.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor to Commercial Director, Permanent and Contract, UK wide
Hiring in M&E? For commercial leaders
Sectors Water · Gas · Electricity · Telecoms · Rail · Highways · Nuclear · Energy · Data centres · Building · Fit-out · M&E
Regions London and the South East · Midlands · North West · North East and Yorkshire · Scotland and Wales
What people have said · Google reviews
Matt helped us place a freelance QS whilst we had an opening for a new full time position.
Andy Pickering · June 2026
Matt sourced the freelance position at the company I wanted to work for, and negotiated terms perfectly.
James Hughes · May 2026
They came highly recommended from a close friend. When I was ready for my next commission, I reached out.
Matthew B · August 2026
Do you have M&E Quantity Surveyor jobs?
Yes, Permanent and Contract, with M&E contractors, main contractors and client side. A Career Insight Call is where to start.
Do I need an engineering background to be an M&E QS?
No, but it helps. The best M&E QSs understand how services are designed and installed well enough to see where a change came from.
What is the difference between an M&E QS and a main contractor QS?
A main contractor QS manages many packages, M&E among them. An M&E QS lives inside one, usually as the subcontractor, with the design and coordination risk that comes with it.
Can an M&E QS move into electricity network work?
Yes, with some learning. The contract skills carry over. Network work is infrastructure for a regulated client rather than services inside a building.
Is there freelance M&E QS work?
Yes. Services final accounts and variation disputes are defined pieces of work, which suits a freelance QS brought in for the job.
