Lead / Senior Process Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd; Hedge End; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Process Design Engineer to support innovative design solutions in the water industry. This role allows for hybrid working and offers competitive compensation of £400 to £500 per day, depending on references. Candidates should have a background in process engineering for water and wastewater projects, along with strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience delivering multi-disciplinary projects in the water/wastewater industry.
• Chartered status advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary design team on UK Water Industry frameworks.
• Lead tasks on major projects or manage several medium-sized projects.
• Ensure compliance with UK water industry standards.

Skills

Strong knowledge of engineering principles and UK water industry standards

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects effectively

Education

IChemE accredited MEng or BEng/BSc in Chemical/Process Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

CAD software

Job description

Overview

Freelance Senior Process Design Engineer (Outside IR35) – Location: Southampton (with flexibility for hybrid working). Limited Rate - £400/500 Per day - Depending on references.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Process Design Engineer to support on a freelance, outside IR35 basis. This role will suit a technically strong professional with a background in process engineering for the water and wastewater sector, covering water treatment, water distribution and storage, and wastewater recycling. You will play a key role in delivering innovative design solutions and providing technical support across a range of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary design team on UK Water Industry frameworks
• Manage multi-discipline design interfaces and integrate process design elements into fit-for-purpose engineering solutions
• Lead tasks on major projects or manage several medium-sized projects with complex features
• Interpret and challenge project requirements from client specifications, drawings and documentation
• Undertake condition surveys of existing processes and assets
• Develop and check key process design deliverables, including:
• Design calculations (e.g. mass balance)
• CAD-based drawings (e.g. PFDs, P&IDs)
• Technical reports and process control philosophies
• Participate in and lead HAZOP meetings as Lead Engineer or Facilitator
• Apply expertise in hydraulics, surge analysis, sludge rheology, and system dynamics
• Collaborate with internal teams, clients, partners and subcontractors to deliver compliant and innovative solutions
• Drive health & safety considerations through the design process, including design risk assessments
• Provide technical input to bid evaluations, supplier design reviews and design change management
• Monitor and report design progress against scope, budget and schedule
• Support site teams during installation and commissioning
• Ensure compliance with UK water industry standards, regulations and quality processes
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence within the team
• Represent the discipline at client and stakeholder meetings, and attend industry conferences

Requirements

• IChemE accredited MEng or BEng/BSc in Chemical/Process Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered status advantageous but not essential
• Minimum 3 years' experience delivering multi-disciplinary projects in the water/wastewater industry
• Strong knowledge of engineering principles and UK water industry standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CAD software
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects effectively
• This freelance contract offers the opportunity to work on challenging and rewarding water industry projects, whilst maintaining flexibility and independence as an outside IR35 engagement