Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer in Reading)

Penguin Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer to join their team in Reading. The successful candidate will take ownership of drainage strategies and flood risk assessments for a variety of projects, from small sites to large residential schemes. The role requires a degree in Civil Engineering, over 3 years of relevant experience, and offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' UK experience in flood risk and drainage engineering.
• Strong knowledge of national planning policy and legislation.
• Chartered status or working towards it is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies.
• Develop SuDS and surface/foul water drainage designs.
• Liaise with clients, architects, and contractors.

Skills

Flood risk assessments

Drainage strategies

Client liaison

Problem-solving

Technical report writing

Time management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Civils 3D

Causeway Flow

Job description

Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer

Reading

Join a respected independent consultancy as a Flood Risk & Drainage Engineer, supporting high-profile water and civil engineering projects. You'll work across private and public sector schemes, delivering technically excellent drainage and flood risk solutions, while contributing to a growing team of specialists.

The Opportunity

You'll take ownership of drainage strategies and flood risk assessments, working on a wide range of developments from small-scale sites to major residential schemes of up to 10,000 units. This role allows you to shape the technical delivery of projects while supporting the ongoing growth of a strategically important business area.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments
• Develop SuDS and surface/foul water drainage designs, ensuring compliance with planning policy and technical standards
• Liaise with clients, architects, contractors, local authorities, and statutory bodies to deliver practical, buildable solutions
• Use modelling and design software such as Causeway Flow, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, and GIS for design, calculations, and earthworks modelling
• Contribute to technical reports, planning applications, and outline or detailed schemes
• Support and mentor junior engineers, sharing technical expertise

Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Minimum 3 years' UK experience in flood risk and drainage engineering
• Strong knowledge of national planning policy and legislation (NPPF, PPG, SuDS Manual, Flood and Water Management Act, Water Framework Directive)
• Experience with drainage modelling, technical design, and report writing
• Effective communication, organisation, and time management skills
• Practical problem-solving approach
• Chartered status (ICE/CIWEM) or working towards it is advantageous
• Familiarity with Flood Risk Activity Permitting and Land Drainage Consent is desirable

Why Join

• Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements
• Professional development support, including chartership guidance
• Work on a variety of high-profile projects in a collaborative and supportive team
• Opportunity to make a visible impact on sustainable water management solutions

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.