Principal Design Engineer

First Recruitment Group; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead the design and technical delivery of major water treatment projects. The role offers flexibility in office location and the opportunity to work either on a contract basis (inside IR35) or as a permanent employee. Ideal candidates should have proven experience in water sector engineering, with strong communication skills and the ability to oversee complex projects. Competitive day rates or permanent employment options are available.

Benefits

Competitive day rates

Flexible office location

Opportunities on major national projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Principal Design Engineer within the water sector.
• Strong understanding of UK water treatment assets, processes and design standards.
• Track record delivering projects from concept through detailed design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and technical delivery of water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Support junior engineers and contribute to design reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process Engineering

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical/Process Engineering

Job description

Principal Design Engineer - Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Process

Flexible UK location - Contract (Inside IR35) or Permanent

We're supporting a leading engineering consultancy delivering major water treatment programmes across the UK. Due to continued growth, we're looking to speak with experienced Principal Design Engineers across multiple disciplines, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Process.

This is a key opportunity to join high-profile infrastructure projects, with flexibility on office location and potential for long-term engagement. Contract roles are offered inside IR35 on a competitive day rate, and permanent employment will be considered for the right candidates.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and technical delivery of water and wastewater treatment projects
• Provide discipline‑specific expertise (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process) across feasibility, concept and detailed design stages
• Oversee production of technical documents, calculations, drawings and specifications
• Ensure designs are compliant with industry standards, client requirements and regulatory frameworks
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
• Support junior engineers and contribute to design reviews and technical governance
• Drive innovation, quality and consistency in project delivery

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Principal Design Engineer within the water sector (essential)
• Discipline‑specific degree or equivalent in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical/Process Engineering
• Strong understanding of UK water treatment assets, processes and design standards
• Track record delivering complex projects from concept through detailed design
• Ability to lead teams, manage workloads and provide technical assurance
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Chartered status is desirable but not essential

What's on Offer

• Contract roles inside IR35 with competitive day rates
• Flexible UK office location
• Opportunity to work on major national water infrastructure programmes
• Option for permanent employment if preferred