Principal Drainage Engineer

A L Daines & Partners LLP; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Drainage Engineer to lead and shape their drainage capabilities within a supportive and non-hierarchical team. This role focuses on sustainable drainage design and provides autonomy in tackling pressing environmental challenges, alongside opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.

Benefits

Hybrid working flexibility

Varied working hours

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• High-level experience in SuDS and surface water strategies.
• Knowledge of evolving regulations regarding nutrient neutrality.
• Self-starter with strong collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to sustainable drainage systems design.
• Grow drainage capability and mentor team members.
• Collaborate on landscape-sensitive projects.

Skills

Drainage design experience

Nutrient neutrality knowledge

Collaboration

Education

Degree in civil or environmental engineering

Tools

MicroDrainage

InfoDrainage

Civil 3D

Job description

We’re looking for a Principal Drainage Engineer—or someone with the ambition and capability to grow into that role. Whether you’re already leading projects or ready to take that next step, this is a rare opportunity to shape a part of the business around your skills, values, and vision.

At our multidisciplinary consultancy, you’ll take ownership of sustainable drainage design, with the support and autonomy to expand this service area in a way that reflects your strengths. You’ll also help us address one of the region’s most important environmental challenges: providing effective, low-impact nutrient neutrality solutions in the Eden catchment and beyond.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading or contributing to the design and delivery of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)

• Helping grow our drainage capability—from strategic direction to day-to-day delivery

• Providing nutrient neutrality assessments and designs that meet evolving regulations

• Collaborating with engineers, ecologists, and planners on integrated, landscape-sensitive projects

• Supporting, mentoring or being mentored—depending on your career stage

• Contributing to business development and client relationships, with as much support as you need

What We’re Looking For:

• A civil or environmental engineer with solid drainage design experience (SuDS, surface water strategies, etc.)

• Practical knowledge of nutrient neutrality—or a strong interest in learning quickly

• Confidence with relevant tools (e.g. MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage, Civil 3D) or willingness to train

• A self-starter with a collaborative mindset—someone who wants to make a difference and shape the future

Why Join Us?

• Shape a growing part of the business around your own strengths

• Work on meaningful, landscape-sensitive projects in a beautiful and influential region

• Enjoy genuine flexibility—hybrid working, varied hours, and autonomy in delivery

• Be part of a supportive, non-hierarchical team where you’ll be trusted and backed

Not sure you meet every single requirement?

We know that people often rule themselves out of roles too quickly. If you’re excited by this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every point above, we’d still love to hear from you. Your potential and attitude matter as much as your CV.

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Let’s build a better water future. Together.

To apply or find out more, email [your email address] with your CV and a short cover note. All enquiries treated confidentially.