Principal Process Design Engineer

Alexander Associates; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Associates in Manchester is seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to lead technical delivery on water and wastewater projects, driving robust process design from concept to commissioning. The role requires Chartered or near-Chartered status and a track record in regulated water environments, with the ability to mentor engineers and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

You will ensure compliance with industry standards and client requirements, participate in design reviews

Qualifications

• Significant process design experience in regulated water industry (10+ years).
• Qualified engineer with degree/HND; Chartered status or progress toward it.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of practical, efficient process solutions.
• Own process design activities from concept to delivery.
• Review and approve technical deliverables and risk assessments.
• Mentor engineers and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards and client requirements.
• Support tender submissions and project planning.

Skills

Process design

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree or HND

Chartered Engineer status or in progress

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer to provide technical leadership and deliver high-quality process engineering solutions across water and wastewater projects.

This is a senior-level opportunity for a Chartered or near-Chartered Engineer with extensive experience in treatment processes and process design. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with a practical, delivery-focused approach, helping to develop robust, efficient and compliant engineering solutions.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical direction throughout the project lifecycle while ensuring designs meet client expectations, industry standards and regulatory requirements.

As Principal Process Engineer, you will take a leading role in process design activities, providing technical assurance and supporting the successful delivery of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development of practical, efficient and technically robust process solutions.
• Taking technical ownership of process design activities from concept through to delivery.
• Reviewing and approving technical deliverables, including reports, specifications and design risk assessments.
• Checking and approving mass balances, process calculations, plant sizing, hydraulic assessments and process flow diagrams.
• Reviewing process control philosophies and supporting commissioning and operational strategies.
• Providing technical input into project planning, design development and tender submissions.
• Leading, mentoring and developing engineers and graduate team members.
• Providing technical guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ensuring designs meet applicable industry standards, professional guidance and client requirements.
• Managing and reviewing design changes to ensure they are appropriately implemented and documented.
• Working within established engineering, quality and design management procedures.
• Supporting the preparation of design programmes, resource requirements and estimated engineering hours.
• Participating in and leading technical reviews, including HAZOP and other structured design and risk assessment workshops.
• Keeping up to date with relevant technical standards, procedures and industry developments.
• Contributing to the development and continual improvement of process engineering methods, standards and best practice.

Essential Experience

• Significant process design experience within the regulated water industry, ideally 10+ years.
• Extensive technical knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment processes.
• Proven experience delivering process engineering solutions for major water or wastewater projects.
• A relevant engineering qualification such as a degree or HND, or substantial practical experience gained through progression from a technical or technician background.
• Strong IT and digital engineering skills.
• Chartered Engineer status, or demonstrable progression towards Chartered status.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working across both clean water and wastewater projects.
• Experience participating in or chairing HAZOP and other process safety/design review workshops.
• Experience contributing to tenders, bids and technical proposals.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

This role offers the opportunity to take a senior technical position within a project environment, influencing process design, supporting the development of engineering teams and contributing to the delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure.

The successful candidate will be someone who can combine technical authority, sound engineering judgement and a practical approach to project delivery, while working effectively with colleagues, clients and other project stakeholders.

Only those with proof of right to work in the UK should apply for this role