Senior Planning Engineer (Water)

WSP in Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary continuance insurance

Retail discounts

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Flexible leave options

Paid parental leave

Job summary

WSP Australia’s national Water team is seeking an experienced Planning Engineer to shape sustainable water infrastructure across Australia. You’ll lead multidisciplinary projects in planning and design, delivering high-quality consultancy services for public and private clients and mentoring junior engineers.

This Senior/Associate role emphasizes asset management, risk-based decision making, and client engagement, with opportunities to influence major water infrastructure decisions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required.
• Chartered status CPENG & RPEQ or working towards RPEQ within 12 months.
• 6–10+ years in water engineering (planning/design).
• Strong leadership in major water projects and consultancy experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical assessments of water supply and sewerage networks, addressing asset condition, renewals, and population growth.
• Deliver feasibility investigations, options assessments, and functional designs for complex projects.
• Prepare business cases that meet regulator requirements for prudency and efficiency.
• Oversee risk management and apply safety-in-design principles across large projects.
• Coordinate specialist inputs (environment, planning, cost estimation, constructability) and integrate into deliverables.
• Produce and review high-level technical reports and project documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building technical capability.
• Engage with clients to build trusted relationships and deliver client-focused outcomes.
• Contribute to proposals and business development for medium to large projects.

Skills

CPENG & RPEQ

Leadership

Water network planning

Hydraulic modelling

GIS software

Cost-benefit analysis

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

Hydraulic modelling software

GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Your New Role

Join WSP’s national Water team and play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable water infrastructure across Australia. Our Asset Management and Planning team in the Water Business Group is expanding, and we are seeking an experienced Planning Engineer with expertise in water and or wastewater network modelling. As a Senior or Associate Planning Engineer, you’ll deliver high-quality consultancy services to public and private sector clients, lead multidisciplinary projects, and provide technical expertise that drives smarter, future-ready solutions.

This is an opportunity to influence major infrastructure decisions, work with leading water authorities and mentor the next generation of engineers.

What You’ll Do

• Lead technical assessments of water supply and sewerage networks, addressing asset condition, renewals, and population growth.
• Deliver feasibility investigations, options assessments, and functional designs for complex projects.
• Prepare business cases that meet economic regulator requirements for prudency and efficiency.
• Oversee risk management and apply Safety-in-Design principles across substantial projects.
• Coordinate specialist inputs (environment, planning, cost estimation, constructability) and integrate them into technical deliverables.
• Produce and review high-level technical reports and project documentation.
• Support asset management initiatives and provide technical input across WSP’s broader water business.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building technical capability within the team.
• Engage with clients to build trusted relationships and deliver best-for-client outcomes.
• Contribute to proposals and business development for medium to large projects.

About You

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent) and Chartered status (CPENG & RPEQ or working towards RPEQ within 12 months).
• Experience: 6–10+ years in water engineering (planning/design), with significant consultancy experience.
• Proven leadership in major water projects, including program/panel and project/design management.
• Advanced knowledge of water supply and sewerage network planning, hydraulic principles, and asset renewal strategies.
• Skilled in analytics and decision-support methodologies (MCA, NPV, risk assessments, cost-benefit analysis).
• Strong understanding of environmental and planning approvals, cost estimation principles, and constructability considerations.
• Proficient in hydraulic modelling software, pump selection tools, and GIS platforms (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of client engagement and business development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage small teams, coordinate resources, and deliver projects on time and budget.

Why Choose WSP?

At WSP, you’ll find the scale and resources to do the kind of work the world needs. We’re committed to creating a workplace where you feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow their careers.

Here’s What Sets Us Apart

• Competitive Pay & Perks – Enjoy top-tier compensation, salary continuance insurance, retail discounts, and more.
• Inclusive Culture – Thrive in a supportive team that celebrates diverse voices and values your unique perspective.
• Career Growth, Your Way – Access mentoring, leadership development, secondments, and global mobility opportunities.
• Flexibility That Works – Embrace flexible work options and the ability to purchase up to 4 extra weeks of leave.
• Family & Life Support – Get up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and dedicated support for those returning to work.
• Purpose-Driven Projects – Contribute to work that makes a real difference in building sustainable, resilient communities.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. An employee Share Purchase Plan is available to all our permanent employees who wish to become owners and vested partners in WSP’s collective success. To find out more about our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people, and the programs we have designed to help you thrive, go to our Employee Benefits page.