Principal Engineer Flood Risk & Water

TieTalent; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility in working hours

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Engineer for Flood Risk & Water. The ideal candidate will lead flood risk projects, provide technical guidance, and mentor junior staff. This role offers flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to work across various UK locations. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in flood risk management and hydraulic modelling, with strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in related field.
• Experience in flood risk and/or surface water separation projects.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead flood risk project designs and assessments.
• Deliver projects from inception to close-out.
• Mentor junior staff and support team growth.

Skills

Flood risk management

Hydraulic modelling

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Chartered with ICE or CIWEM or nearing chartership

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Civils 3D

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Principal Engineer Flood Risk & Water role at TieTalent. The role is with Tetra Tech, a leading environmental consultancy with a broad portfolio in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

We are growing our flood risk team in the UK with flexible location (ideally Manchester, Leeds, Chorley, Cockermouth or London), with other locations considered for the right candidate. Projects span local authorities, MOD, water utilities, housing developers, and other private/public sector clients, delivering integrated flood risk and drainage solutions including natural flood management and Sustainable Urban Drainage.

The role involves guiding teams, supporting clients, and contributing to bids and propositions as we expand the team. Some travel and UK-wide project work may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects across river, coastal, and flood defence appraisal and design, hydraulic modelling and hydrology assessment, surface water management, and business-case development.
• Deliver projects for a range of clients in the private and public sectors, from inception to delivery and close-out in line with best practice.
• Lead low to medium risk projects technically and as a project manager; mentor junior staff; supervise, instruct, and engage with clients to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery and manage change.
• Support bidding and proposition development; work with senior leadership to grow the team and client base.
• Participate in internal project management training and our development platforms, including CPD, mentoring, and coaching.
• Maintain health and safety commitments within design and project delivery.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant field; Chartered with ICE or CIWEM, or nearing chartership.
• Experience delivering flood risk and/or surface water separation projects from concept through design, in line with relevant guidance.
• Experience in writing reports (including business cases) and presenting to internal and external partners; client-facing and design-discussion leadership.
• Experience working across and leading multidisciplinary teams (e.g., hydraulic modellers, engineers, environmental consultants).
• Interest or experience in Natural Flood Management solutions and familiarity with the Multi-coloured Manual for flood risk economic appraisal; understanding of NPPF.
• Proficiency with IT systems such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Civils 3D, and Microsoft Office; full UK driving license.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; track record of delivering to time and cost; ability to mentor junior staff.
• Commitment to health and safety and a desire to develop professionally with ongoing learning and development.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally work outside normal hours.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services. We combine a global, multibillion-dollar company with local delivery in more than 400 locations. We offer a collaborative environment supporting performance, innovation, and creativity, along with competitive compensation and benefits.

For more information, visit our website. To apply, submit your CV and cover letter via the Careers section of the site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

We are happy to discuss flexible working for this role, including reduced hours, flexible start/finish times, or compressed hours.

Seniority and Employment Type

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Technology, Information and Internet