Principal Design Engineer

We’re on a mission to make a lasting difference to the environment and the communities we serve. With over £3 billion being invested in our waste treatment construction projects over the next five years, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Right now, we have a fantastic opportunity to join our Capital and Commercial Services directorate as a Principal Design Engineer within the Waste Treatment Technical Team.

Location: Midlands (Various Locations) 

Your Role: Driving Technical Excellence

As a Principal Design Engineer, you’ll report directly to the Waste Treatment Technical Lead and work hand-in-hand with Design Managers to lead the technical delivery of our ambitious capital programme. You’ll be instrumental in developing engineering and process solutions, guiding multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring the successful design, delivery, and handover of projects.

Your work will directly impact how we treat wastewater efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Act as the technical authority on waste treatment projects – leading design optioneering, innovation, and delivery of low-carbon, cost-effective, and buildable solutions.
• Provide hands-on technical support to the Waste Treatment Core Design Team while mentoring and developing the next generation of engineers.
• Oversee the creation of engineering designs and specifications that meet all relevant safety, environmental, operational, and legislative requirements.
• Assess and manage deviations from design standards, collaborating with standards owners for formal approvals.
• Ensure adherence to all health and safety design standards, including HazOp, HazCon, DSEAR, and CDM Regulations.
• Share lessons learned across the organisation, champion innovation, and drive continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong networks with internal and external stakeholders to keep ahead of best practice and industry innovation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Chartered Engineer status (essential), with deep technical knowledge of waste treatment processes, technologies, and systems.
• Proven experience leading in multi-disciplinary design environments.
• A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for mentoring others.
• A proactive, positive, and inclusive attitude that reflects our values of care and responsibility.

We believe character is just as important as credentials. We celebrate diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds – because that’s how we learn and grow together.

What’s In It for You?

This isn’t just a job – it’s a career. You’ll be supported, developed, and rewarded as part of a business that genuinely cares.

• 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays (with options to buy/sell up to 5 days)
• Annual bonus scheme (Based on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme – double matched up to 15%
• Sharesave scheme – buy company shares at a discounted rate
• Comprehensive training and development via our in-house Academy
• Electric vehicle scheme, retail discounts, and family-friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year to give back to your community

Ready to Apply?

We’d love to hear from you. All you need is your CV and a few minutes of your time to apply. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know the outcome.