Principal Design Engineer

Senior/Principal Civil Design Engineer 

About the Role

This role sits within a Water Design Team as part of a Utility Infrastructure Division. The team specialises in the design, construction, and maintenance of critical water infrastructure and treatment facilities, working with major UK water companies to support reliable and sustainable water services.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior or Principal Civil Design Engineer with a strong background in Utility Engineering and proven experience within the water industry.

In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. You will support schemes from feasibility and concept through to detailed design, construction, and commissioning.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, practical design solutions that meet client and project requirements.

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum four days office-based, negotiable)

Key Duties

Manage and coordinate internal and external activities related to civil and drainage design in line with client specifications and design standards.
Prepare and develop design solutions across all project stages, including value engineering.
Lead the delivery of design schemes and oversee Design & Engineering Team responsibilities.
Manage design processes, attend meetings, and review team outputs to ensure accuracy and quality.
Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, support client relationships, and contribute to planning, programming, and commercial management.
Maintain clear communication with Team Leaders, Senior Managers, and clients.
Resolve technical issues and provide guidance to junior engineers, technicians, and apprentices.
Support and promote the development of technical capability within the team.

Key Skills

Essential

Qualified engineer; Chartered or working towards Chartership (e.g. membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers – ICE).
Proven civil design experience within the UK water sector.
Experience across water treatment, drainage, clean water networks, rising mains, and sewer separation projects.
Strong understanding of water industry standards and guidance (e.g. CIWEM, CESWI).
Familiarity with ISO standards: ISO 9001, ISO 19650, and ISO 14001.

Desirable

Strong understanding of hydraulic design principles, including manual calculations.
Experience with hydraulic profiling.
Knowledge of HazOp / ALM requirements.
Familiarity with WIMES and CESWI standards.
Experience working under Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).
Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with industry tools and innovations.

Personal Attributes

Strong relationship-building skills with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Ability to lead by example and promote high standards and best practices.
Proactive, solution-focused mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
Willingness to learn, develop, and embrace innovation.
Respectful approach towards colleagues, the public, and the environment.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and industry awareness