Design Engineer

Abatec Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Life insurance 4x

Job summary

Abatec Recruitment is seeking a Design Engineer to join a leading civil engineering contractor in Bristol. You will design, review, and deliver clean water infrastructure projects as part of a growing in-house team on a long-term water framework.

The role requires a Civil Engineering background, proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D/MicroStation, and knowledge of water industry standards and hydraulic design. A contractor-led environment and active collaboration with construction teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Civil Engineering background with experience in clean water, utilities, or wider infrastructure design.
• Proficient in producing engineering drawings and calculations (AutoCAD / Civil 3D / MicroStation or similar).
• Knowledge of water industry standards, hydraulic principles, and pipeline design.

Responsibilities

• Produce and review designs for clean water infrastructure projects, including water mains and pipeline networks, pumping stations and booster stations, service reservoirs and storage tanks, and treatment works upgrades.
• Prepare engineering drawings, specifications, calculations and technical reports.
• Ensure designs comply with UK water industry standards, DWI requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Support construction teams with technical queries, buildability reviews, and design changes during delivery.
• Liaise with project managers, site engineers, and stakeholders to ensure designs are practical and deliverable.
• Contribute to internal technical standards, templates, and design processes as the in-house function develops.

Skills

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

Job description

A leading regional civil engineering contractor is expanding its in-house clean water design capability and is seeking a Design Engineer on a permanently employed basis to support a long-term programme on the Bristol Water Framework.

This is a strategic, long-term appointment as the business transitions from outsourcing the majority of design to building a strong internal technical function. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping internal design capability and will be part of a significant growth phase within the organisation.

As Design Engineer you will:

• Produce and review designs for clean water infrastructure projects, including:
  • Water mains and pipeline networks
  • Pumping stations and booster stations
  • Service reservoirs and storage tanks
  • Treatment works upgrades and process infrastructure
• Prepare engineering drawings, specifications, calculations and technical reports
• Ensure designs comply with UK water industry standards, DWI requirements, and CDM regulations
• Support construction teams with technical queries, buildability reviews, and design changes during delivery
• Liaise with project managers, site engineers, and stakeholders to ensure designs are practical and deliverable
• Contribute to internal technical standards, templates, and design processes as the in-house function develops

About You

• Civil Engineering background with experience in clean water, utilities, or wider infrastructure design
• Proficient in producing engineering drawings and calculations (AutoCAD / Civil 3D / MicroStation or similar)
• Knowledge of water industry standards, hydraulic principles, and pipeline design
• Comfortable working in a contractor-led environment and supporting live construction projects
• Proactive, collaborative, and keen to be part of a growing technical function rather than a siloed consultancy role

Salary & Benefits include:

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 p/a
• Car allowance
• Ongoing, long-term workload on a major water framework
• 5% employer contribution
• 4 x salary life insurance
• Private healthcare
• Ongoing professional development, training, and clear career progression pathways