Senior Water Engineer

Arup; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup is seeking a Drainage and SuDS engineer to join its water team in Birmingham, with flexible locations in Nottingham or Cardiff. You’ll work across the project lifecycle, delivering practical, low-carbon water management solutions for communities and infrastructure.

The role emphasizes core SuDS expertise, collaboration, and professional development, with opportunities to contribute to research, digital innovation, and client relationships.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent practical experience in drainage, SuDS or surface water management.
• Experience developing drainage or SuDS solutions for development, infrastructure or built environment.
• Working knowledge of UK drainage standards, guidance and legislation.
• Experience contributing to drainage strategies, hydraulic modelling, flood risk assessments or design development.
• Progress towards Incorporated or Chartered status, or interest in accreditation.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborative approach and commitment to high-quality, sustainable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop drainage and SuDS solutions across the project lifecycle.
• Support strategy, flood risk assessment and masterplanning activities.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and clients on design development.

Skills

Drainage and SuDS expertise

Communication with clients

Collaborative working

Education

Degree in drainage/SuDS or equivalent

Tools

InfoDrainage

Civil 3D

Job description

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Drainage and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) engineer to join our growing water team in Birmingham, Nottingham or Cardiff . This is an opportunity to help shape resilient, low-carbon places through practical, integrated water management solutions that deliver benefits for communities, nature and the environment.

You will work across the full project lifecycle, from early strategy, flood risk assessment and masterplanning through to detailed design and construction support. Our varied portfolio includes innovative SuDS and drainage programmes including sustainable flood resilience work, as well as major airport and infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.

You will join a supportive, multidisciplinary team where you can deepen your technical expertise, take increasing ownership of projects and client relationships, and contribute to research, digital innovation and the development of others. We value different perspectives and career paths.

You do not need to have worked in every sector or to bring every desirable skill from day one. We are interested in your core drainage or SuDS experience, your approach to solving problems and collaborating with others, and your motivation to keep learning.

Is this role right for you?

We are seeking the below essential skills and knowledge:

• A relevant degree or equivalent practical experience, with experience in drainage, SuDS or surface water management.
• Experience developing drainage or SuDS solutions for development, infrastructure or the built environment.
• A working knowledge of relevant UK drainage and SuDS standards, guidance and legislation.
• Experience contributing to drainage strategies, hydraulic modelling, flood risk assessments, drainage impact assessments or design development.
• Progress towards Incorporated or Chartered professional status, or an interest in working towards professional accreditation.
• The ability to communicate technical information clearly and work effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• A collaborative approach, sound judgement and a commitment to high-quality, sustainable outcomes.

We also appreciate the following skills:

• Experience with InfoDrainage, Civil 3D or similar design and modelling software.
• Familiarity with BIM, digital engineering or data-led design.
• Experience coordinating work packages and supporting project budgets and programmes.
• Involvement in bids, fee proposals, client relationships or business development.
• Experience in aviation, highways, rail, development or critical infrastructure.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy.

Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.