Mechanical & Electrical
Mechanical & Electrical (often abbreviated as M&E) refers to the essential building systems that keep facilities running smoothly. This includes heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, power systems, elevators, and other vital infrastructure. Think of M&E as a building's vital organs - just like how a body needs various systems to function, buildings need these systems to operate effectively. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it typically relates to maintaining, installing, or managing these building systems.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Mechanical & Electrical maintenance for a 50-story office building
Led M&E system upgrades across multiple hospital facilities
Supervised Mechanical and Electrical contractors for new building installations
Typical job title: "M&E Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find M&E Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a preventive maintenance strategy for a large commercial building's M&E systems?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover creating maintenance schedules, managing budgets, prioritizing critical systems, using maintenance software, and coordinating with various contractors while ensuring minimal disruption to building operations.
Q: How do you handle emergency situations involving critical M&E systems?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in crisis management, knowledge of backup systems, emergency response procedures, and ability to make quick decisions while maintaining building safety and operations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with building management systems (BMS)?
Expected Answer: Candidate should explain their experience with monitoring building systems, adjusting settings for efficiency, and using computer systems to control building operations.
Q: How do you ensure M&E systems comply with current regulations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, regular inspections, documentation practices, and working with certification bodies.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main M&E systems in a typical commercial building?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly explain basic systems like HVAC, electrical distribution, lighting, plumbing, and fire safety systems.
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when working with electrical systems?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic safety protocols, use of protective equipment, and awareness of when to call in specialized contractors.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of building systems
- Routine maintenance checks
- Reading building plans and diagrams
- Following safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing maintenance schedules
- Troubleshooting system issues
- Coordinating with contractors
- Using building management systems
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic maintenance planning
- Budget management
- Team leadership
- Project management for system upgrades
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of current building regulations and safety standards
- Lack of emergency response experience
- Poor understanding of preventive maintenance
- No experience with building management systems
- Unable to read technical drawings or system diagrams
