Drainage Engineer

Penguin Recruitment; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Drainage Engineer to work hybrid in Reading. The successful candidate will implement drainage projects, apply hydrological principles, and ensure compliance with regulations. The position offers a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and career progression opportunities, collaborating with a friendly team in sustainable infrastructure projects.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus option to purchase additional leave

Private healthcare

Pension

Life assurance

Tech/cycle-to-work schemes

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in drainage/flood risk engineering.
• Knowledge of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and nature-based solutions.
• Chartered status (ICE/CIWEM) or working toward it is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver drainage projects from concept through detailed design.
• Apply hydraulic and hydrological principles to ensure sustainable designs.
• Collaborate with clients and local authorities on project compliance.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Report writing

Hydrological modelling

Technical design

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Degree in Environmental Science

Tools

Causeway Flow

AutoCAD

GIS

FEH

Job description

Drainage Engineer

Reading

Hybrid

Flexible working arrangements combining office-based and remote work to support work-life balance.

The Opportunity

Join a specialist water team as a Drainage Engineer, delivering sustainable drainage and flood risk solutions across private and public sector projects in Reading. You'll contribute to diverse schemes, including surface water, foul water, water quality, and hydraulic modelling, helping communities and clients achieve resilient infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver drainage projects from concept through detailed design, including SuDS and foul/surface water solutions
• Apply hydraulic and hydrological principles to ensure technically sound, sustainable designs
• Interpret drawings, survey reports, and modelling data to develop innovative solutions
• Ensure compliance with NPPF, PPG, SuDS Manual, Water Industry Act, Flood & Water Management Act, and Land Drainage Act
• Collaborate with clients, local authorities, Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities, and other stakeholders
• Prepare technical reports, design risk assessments, and support CDM compliance
• Mentor junior staff and share expertise across the team

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related discipline
• Minimum 3 years' experience in drainage/flood risk engineering
• Proficient in Causeway Flow, AutoCAD, GIS, FEH, and hydrological modelling
• Strong organisational, communication, and report writing skills
• Knowledge of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), green/blue infrastructure, and nature-based solutions
• Chartered status (ICE/CIWEM) or working toward it is desirable

  Why Join

  • Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements
  • 25 days holiday plus option to purchase additional leave
  • Private healthcare, pension, life assurance, tech/cycle-to-work schemes
  • Opportunity to work on diverse, technically challenging projects
  • Career progression, chartership support, and mentoring from senior professionals
  • Collaborative, friendly team culture

  Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency for this position. For more information, contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years' recruitment experience.