Principal Civil Engineer, Water

Overview

As Principal Civil Engineer in AECOMs Water team, you lead and shape UK water infrastructure projects, from concept to delivery, collaborating with a multidisciplinary group to drive sustainable, high-impact outcomes. You mentor colleagues, manage client relationships, and guide technical delivery across design stages. You’ll work on high-profile upgrades and strategic studies, contributing to growth and resilience in water systems. This role offers visibility, leadership, and the chance to transform communities through engineering excellence.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working model
• career development opportunities
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• flexible working arrangements
• well-being programs

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of key water and wastewater projects
• Contribute across design stages from concept to detailed design and reporting
• Apply practical and creative problem-solving to engineering challenges
• Ensure designs comply with standards, regulations and best practice
• Manage project scope, budget, and timelines
• Build and maintain client relationships with regular updates and guidance
• Mentor and support early-career team members

Key requirements

• Bachelor in Civil Engineering (or equivalent); Master considered but not required
• Proven principal-level experience in the water sector
• Chartered or Incorporated with ICE, CIWEM, or working towards
• Experience with engineering assessments, options appraisals, and economic appraisals
• Experience in outline or detailed design of wastewater/water treatment schemes

• team leadership and mentorship
• strong communication and stakeholder management
• collaborative and proactive mindset
• water and wastewater design experience
• regulatory and standards compliance
• design reporting and technical documentation