Lead Design Engineer (Water)

AECOM; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Continuous learning opportunities

Flexible working model

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A global engineering firm in Manchester is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to guide the technical delivery of water infrastructure projects, managing multidisciplinary teams. The role involves hands-on project management across all design lifecycle stages, from concept to construction. Ideal candidates will have experience in water and wastewater engineering, alongside relevant qualifications. This position offers a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid working model, encouraging innovation in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing technical delivery of water and wastewater projects.
• Hands-on experience in designing complex wastewater treatment solutions.
• Chartered or Incorporated with a relevant institution is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical delivery of water and flood infrastructure projects.
• Manage key packages of work from concept to handover.
• Collaborate closely with clients and AECOM partners.

Skills

Water and wastewater engineering

Multi-disciplinary design team management

Hands-on experience in design

Feasibility studies and concept design

Education

Degree in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering

Job description

Company Description

“Lead the future of water infrastructure in the North & Midlands – innovate, inspire, deliver.”

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 50,000 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

Start here. Grow here.

"Ready to lead a multidisciplinary design team and shape the future of water infrastructure in the North & Midlands?"

Join our dynamic Water Solutions team as a Lead Design Engineer, based in our North & Midlands offices, with the benefit of our flexible hybrid working model.

At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of delivering exceptional water programmes and projects through long‑term partnerships with leading clients, including Wessex Water, Thames Water, Welsh Water, Severn Trent Water, South West Water, and international contractors.

In this role, you’ll work on high‑impact projects ranging from potable water and sewage networks to treatment works and flood mitigation schemes, covering all stages of design and delivery—from feasibility to construction, operation, maintenance, and asset management.

Local and High‑Profile Projects

Our North & Midlands team is engaged in some of the UK’s most high‑profile, industry‑leading infrastructure projects, as well as international programmes. Recent projects include:

• Wanlip Sewage Treatment Works (Leicestershire): Major upgrade delivering improved water quality.
• Mansfield Strategic Flood Resilience Project (£76m): Largest Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) retrofit in the UK.
• Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme: Technical advisor providing protection to over 1,000 homes and 470 businesses.
• M54–M6 Link Road (Staffordshire): Flood risk and drainage consultancy.
• Scottish Water Primary Designer 2027–2033: Leading water and wastewater infrastructure projects nationally.
• International Flood Mitigation Works: Projects including Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.

We also advise national and government clients such as Network Rail, DEFRA, and National Highways, providing design guidance and legislative support that keeps us at the forefront of the UK water industry.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Lead: Drive technical delivery of water, wastewater, and flood infrastructure projects, managing multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, value‑added solutions throughout the design lifecycle.
• Manage: Oversee key packages of work from concept to handover, interfacing with AECOM teams, clients, and suppliers to create seamless technical solutions.
• Collaborate: Work closely with clients and AECOM partners to ensure stakeholder buy‑in for solutions, contributing to AECOM’s wider technical capability and innovative approach.
• Develop: Perform line manager duties and support the development of junior team members, managing their input to projects and mentoring them.

If you’re passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team, where we don’t just deliver infrastructure solutions—we safeguard human health and the environment.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a dynamic team that tackles challenging and impactful water projects.
• Work alongside industry‑leading professionals and thought leaders.
• Engage in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Access to continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Enjoy the flexibility to work in a way that fits your lifestyle while supporting a healthy work–life balance.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Experience in managing the technical delivery of water and wastewater engineering projects with multi‑disciplinary knowledge, ideally including treatment schemes and/or pipeline design. You will also have experience leading multi‑disciplinary design teams.
• Relevant experience in a similar role for a water company, consultancy or contractor.
• Hands on experience, designing complex wastewater treatment solutions.
• A degree or equivalent in a related engineering subject (e.g. civil, electrical, mechanical) and/or equivalent experience.
• Chartered or Incorporated with a relevant institution e.g. ICE, CIWEM or working towards it.
• Experience of undertaking feasibility studies, options appraisal and concept design, and/or outline and detailed design for water company clients and design and build contractors.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. At AECOM, we value everyone’s unique contributions and perspectives.

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Additional Information

Want to find out more about the role or what working at AECOM is like?

You can learn more about us here: Candidate Brochure

Alternatively you can email the recruiter at [e-mail] or register your interest.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.