Principal Design Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to join their team on major water treatment infrastructure projects across the UK. This role offers flexibility in location, with options for both contract (inside IR35) and permanent employment. Ideal candidates will have experience in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Process engineering, and a strong background in water treatment design and project delivery. Competitive day rates for contract roles and opportunities for long-term engagement are available.

Benefits

Competitive day rates

Opportunity to work on major national projects

Option for permanent employment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Principal Design Engineer within the water sector.
• Strong understanding of UK water treatment assets and design standards.
• Ability to lead teams and manage workloads.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and technical delivery of water projects.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and regulations.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Water sector experience

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Technical assurance

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
• Opportunity to work on major national water infrastructure programmes
• Option for permanent employment if preferred