Principal Engineer - Hydraulics & Drainage

AECOM Corporation; Comunidad de Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Madrid is seeking a Principal Drainage Engineer with extensive experience in linear infrastructure drainage design to join our Water Engineering team in Europe. You will lead drainage design, manage hydraulic modelling, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across regions, delivering high-quality solutions for large transportation projects while working in a hybrid Madrid-based setup.

The role offers opportunities to mentor engineers, influence technical standards, and contribute

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Water or a related discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of experience in drainage design for highways and other linear infrastructure.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Strong experience in drainage design, hydraulic modelling and technical delivery.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software such as OpenRoads Designer, Civil 3D, InfoDrainage, MicroDrainage.
• Familiarity with international design standards and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for drainage and water engineering deliverables on major international projects.
• Lead development, review and approval of drainage designs, hydraulic calculations, modelling outputs, technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Support projects through all design stages, from feasibility to detailed design.
• Act as a drainage subject matter expert within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring standards and client requirements are met.
• Deliver high-quality engineering solutions that meet objectives, schedules and budgets.
• Mentor and support graduate, junior and intermediate engineers, promoting technical excellence.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of drainage engineering capabilities across the global Water business.

Skills

Drainage design

Hydraulic modelling

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Mentoring juniors

Education

Civil/Water engineering degree

Tools

OpenRoads Designer

Civil 3D

InfoDrainage

MicroDrainage

Job description

• Full-time
• State/Province: Madrid
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM SPAIN DCS S.L.U.
• Business Line: Water
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Operating Group: Group Support
• Primary Location: ES - Madrid - C/Alfonso XII

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 52,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are currently looking to hire a Principal Drainage Engineer with experiencein linear infrastructure drainage design, to join our busy and expanding experienced in Enterprise Capabilities, Europe (Madrid).

About Enterprise Capabilities

Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM’s primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry.

Our Water Engineering team has a strong track record delivering water infrastructure solutions across the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East. With us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-profile transportation, water and environmental projects within a diverse and multicultural environment.

You will be involved in all phases of project development, from conceptual and feasibility studies through to preliminary and detailed design, supporting a wide range of drainage, stormwater, sewerage and potable water network projects.

Responsibilities of this role include:

• Provide technical leadership for drainage and water engineering deliverables across major international transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Lead the development, review and approval of drainage designs, hydraulic calculations, modelling outputs, technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Support projects through all design stages, from feasibility and concept development to preliminary and detailed design.
• Act as a drainage subject matter expert within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring the application of relevant standards, client requirements and industry best practices.
• Deliver high-quality engineering solutions that meet project objectives, schedules and budget requirements.
• Undertake technical assurance and peer reviews of designs produced by other engineers, ensuring quality, consistency and compliance.
• Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders across multiple regions, supporting the successful delivery of projects in international markets.
• Identify technical risks, resolve complex engineering challenges and develop practical, innovative and sustainable design solutions.
• Mentor and support the development of graduate, junior and intermediate engineers, promoting technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of drainage engineering capabilities, methodologies and best practices across the global Water business.

Why Join AECOM?

Work on major international infrastructure projects.

Be part of a global technical network.

Flexible and hybrid working.

Influence high-profile projects from Madrid.

Drive technical excellence.

Career growth without leaving the technical path.

Work in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Continuous learning and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Water or a related discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of experience in drainage design for highways, railways and other linear infrastructure projects.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Strong experience in drainage design, hydraulic modelling and technical delivery across multiple project stages.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software such as OpenRoads Designer, Civil 3D, InfoDrainage, MicroDrainage or equivalent.
• Familiarity with international design standards and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting projects in the United States and familiarity with US drainage design standards and regulations.

Spanish language skills would be an advantage.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.