Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water

Stantec; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid / Flexible working

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to lead process engineering across clean water projects in the UK. You will provide technical direction from feasibility through to detailed design and implementation, driving safe, compliant and innovative water treatment solutions.

You will own designs, mentor engineers and work with civil, mechanical, electrical teams to deliver integrated solutions while strengthening client relationships and supporting bids and business development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven ability to take technical ownership of projects and work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or working towards registration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review clean water process designs, calculations, mass balances and technical specifications.
• Evaluate treatment options to improve water quality, treatment efficiency and asset performance.
• Lead delivery across feasibility to detailed design and implementation in clean water projects.
• Collaborate with civil, mechanical, electrical and other specialists to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor developing engineers and share technical knowledge for continuous improvement.
• Build client relationships and contribute to bids, frameworks and business development.

Skills

Chartered Engineer

Clean water experience

Process design

Leadership

Mentoring

Client communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Chemical/Process Engineering degree

Job description

The Opportunity

With continued investment in the UK water sector, there is a growing need for innovative engineering solutions that improve drinking water quality, treatment performance and security of supply. At Stantec, our Process Engineering teams are helping clients deliver the infrastructure needed to build more resilient and sustainable water supplies for future generations.

About The Role

As a Principal Process Engineer, you’ll lead process engineering delivery across clean water projects, providing technical direction from early feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and implementation.

You Will

• Develop and review clean water process designs, calculations, mass balances, hydraulic assessments and technical specifications.
• Evaluate treatment options and develop practical solutions to improve water quality, treatment efficiency and asset performance.
• Contribute to water treatment works upgrades, capacity improvements, asset optimisation and water supply resilience projects.
• Take technical ownership of project deliverables, ensuring designs meet client requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Work collaboratively with civil, mechanical, electrical and other engineering specialists to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support feasibility studies, design reviews, commissioning and process performance investigations.
• Build effective client relationships and contribute to bids, frameworks and business development opportunities.
• Mentor developing engineers, share technical knowledge and support continuous improvement across the Process Engineering team.

YOUR IMPACT

You’ll help deliver clean water infrastructure that supports safe drinking water, reliable supplies and sustainable communities. Your process engineering expertise will help clients make informed decisions, improve treatment performance and develop solutions that address changing water quality requirements and future demand.

At Principal level, you’ll combine technical delivery with project leadership, helping colleagues develop their skills, strengthening client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of Stantec’s clean water capability.

ABOUT YOU Essential

• Degree qualified in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) or actively working towards professional registration.
• Significant experience in clean water process engineering within the water sector.
• Strong technical understanding of water treatment processes, process design and engineering principles.
• Experience developing and reviewing process designs, calculations and technical deliverables.
• Proven ability to take technical ownership of projects and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with clients and colleagues.
• Experience supporting or mentoring less experienced engineers.

Desirable

• Experience across water treatment works, treatment upgrades, process optimisation or water supply infrastructure.
• Knowledge of UK drinking water quality requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Experience supporting feasibility studies, optioneering, commissioning or operational performance investigations.
• Involvement in bids, frameworks or client development activities.
• A commitment to sustainable engineering, innovation and continuous technical development.

WHY JOIN US

• We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups).
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.