Design Engineer (Mechanical)

L.J.B & Co. Construction Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK is seeking an experienced Piping Design Engineer to join a team focused on clean water infrastructure projects. This role involves end-to-end system design, ensuring efficient potable water supply systems. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and have experience with UK water utilities. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £70,000 per year or £450-£500 per day for contract roles, with flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative engineering environment

Qualifications

• Strong background in clean water network or pipeline design.
• Experience with UK water utilities.
• Understanding of water quality and pressure management principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop clean water piping networks.
• Conduct hydraulic analysis and flow simulations.
• Produce and review piping layouts and models.

Skills

Clean water network design

Hydraulic modelling

3D design software

Technical report writing

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Bentley OpenFlows

Job description

Overview

Piping Design Engineer | £450-£500/day | UK

Location: Brighton
Type: Permanent or Contract
Salary: Up to £70,000 (perm) or £450-£500 per day (contract)

We're seeking experienced Clean Water Piping Design Engineers to join our growing water infrastructure design team, working on major clean water transmission and distribution projects for leading UK water utilities.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of end-to-end system design, from reservoir connections through to delivery networks, ensuring safe, sustainable, and efficient potable water supply systems.

You'll be responsible for designing and optimising clean water systems using modern design tools and 3D modelling software. Your expertise in hydraulics, pressure management, pipe material selection, and layout design will be crucial to delivering high-performing, long-life infrastructure that meets all regulatory and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop clean water piping networks connecting reservoirs, pump stations, and distribution systems.
• Optimise pipe diameter, material, and layout to ensure efficient flow and pressure management.
• Use 3D design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley, Revit, or equivalent) to produce and review piping layouts and models.
• Conduct hydraulic analysis, flow simulations, and stress calculations to validate system integrity.
• Select suitable pipe materials based on cost, durability, and compliance with potable water standards.
• Support construction teams with technical input, design validation, and maintenance planning.
• Ensure designs comply with DWI, WRAS, Water Industry Standards, and relevant environmental legislation.
• Prepare design reports, calculations, and as-built documentation.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver efficient, safe, and cost-effective water systems.

About You

• Degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering (or equivalent).
• Strong background in clean water network or pipeline design.
• Experience with UK water utilities (e.g., Southern Water, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities).
• Familiarity with pipe sizing, layout design, and hydraulic modelling.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley OpenFlows, EPANET, or similar tools.
• Understanding of water quality, pressure management, and contamination prevention principles.
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and quality assurance.

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £70,000 (permanent) or £450-£500/day (contract).
• Opportunity to work on nationwide water infrastructure projects.
• Professional growth and continued learning in a highly collaborative engineering environment.
• Flexible working arrangements depending on project requirements