Principal Civil Engineer - Water

Ayesa Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to join their Water Infrastructure Team in the UK. You will lead the design and delivery of civil engineering solutions for water projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with technical standards. This role requires over 10 years of relevant experience and chartered status. The company offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Hybrid and flexible working

Professional development support

Pension matching and income protection

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in water and/or wastewater infrastructure design and delivery.
• Relevant degree and chartership qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil and structural design for water and wastewater treatment works.
• Manage technical quality to ensure compliance with standards.
• Oversee multidisciplinary coordination.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.

Skills

Civil design principles for water and wastewater treatment

Leadership and stakeholder engagement

Proficiency in design software (Civil 3D, MicroDrainage)

Project management

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng) with ICE or equivalent

Tools

Civil 3D

MicroDrainage

Job description

Company Description

Ayesa is a global, forward-thinking engineering and technology consultancy with 13,000 employees in 23 countries. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and sustainability, delivering innovative infrastructure and digital transformation solutions across water, transport, energy, and environmental sectors.

Position

The Opportunity

We're seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to join our Water Infrastructure Team within the UK, leading the design and delivery of civil engineering solutions for water, wastewater, sludge treatment centres and utilities projects across the UK and Ireland. You'll play a key technical and leadership role, guiding multidisciplinary teams and driving excellence from concept through to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil and structural design for water and wastewater treatment works, pipelines, pre-cast and pumping stations.
• Manage technical quality and ensure designs meet CESWI, UK standards, regulations, and client specifications.
• Good understanding of offsite fabrication.
• Oversee multidisciplinary coordination (civil, mechanical, electrical, and process).
• Lead design reviews, sign off deliverables, and ensure compliance with safety, sustainability, and BIM standards.
• Provide technical input during feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages.
• Support project management activities including scope, programme, and budget control.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, promoting best practice and innovation.
• Engage with clients and delivery partners to shape project strategies and technical solutions.
• Contribute to proposals, bids, and business development with key utilities.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver robust, compliant, and cost-effective design solutions.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities and ensure adherence to Ayesa's Integrated Management System (IMS).
• Represent Ayesa professionally, building lasting client relationships.

Requirements

What You Bring

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in water and/or wastewater infrastructure design and delivery.
• Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng) with ICE or equivalent.
• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master's desirable).

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of civil design principles for water and wastewater treatment, sludge treatment centres and conveyance systems.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing D&B or consultancy projects.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Civil 3D, MicroDrainage, or similar) and digital design workflows (BIM).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Other information

What's In It for You

Competitive salary and benefits package.
Hybrid and flexible working (2-3 days from home).
Pension matching, income protection, and life assurance.
Professional development and chartership support.
Inclusive, sustainability-driven culture with wellbeing and social initiatives.

We're Inclusive by Design

Ayesa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.