Principal Hydraulic Engineer

The UK water sector is experiencing unprecedented investment, creating exciting opportunities to deliver innovative engineering solutions that improve resilience, protect the environment and support communities for generations to come. At Stantec, our national Hydraulic Engineering team is at the forefront of this transformation, providing specialist expertise across some of the UK's largest regulated water frameworks.

We're looking for a Principal Hydraulic Engineer to join our growing team in Warrington, Leeds or Cambridge . This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of technically complex hydraulic engineering projects while working alongside recognised industry specialists within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment. You'll play a key role in delivering innovative solutions, strengthening client relationships and supporting the continued growth of our nationally recognised Hydraulic Engineering capability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Principal Hydraulic Engineer , you'll lead the technical delivery of hydraulic engineering studies across a wide range of water infrastructure projects, supporting delivery from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and construction support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex hydraulic studies, including steady state and transient analysis.
• Providing technical guidance on hydraulic structures, pumping systems and conveyance assets.
• Reviewing hydraulic models, calculations and technical reports to ensure engineering excellence.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Project Managers and clients to develop innovative engineering solutions.
• Mentoring and supporting developing engineers across the Hydraulic Engineering team.
• Building strong relationships with clients while contributing to technical innovation and continuous improvement.

YOUR IMPACT

Your expertise will directly influence the resilience, efficiency and long-term performance of critical water infrastructure across the UK. Through high-quality hydraulic engineering, you'll help clients improve operational performance, reduce risk and deliver sustainable solutions that meet future environmental and regulatory challenges.

Beyond project delivery, you'll play an important role in developing technical capability across the business by mentoring colleagues, sharing specialist knowledge and driving engineering excellence. Your contribution will help strengthen Stantec's reputation as a trusted partner for complex hydraulic engineering solutions.

ABOUT YOU

Essential

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards professional registration.
• Significant experience delivering hydraulic engineering projects within the UK water sector.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, hydraulic structures and transient analysis.
• Experience using hydraulic modelling software such as HADES, VARISM, Flow-3D or equivalent.
• Experience leading technical delivery across multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience mentoring and supporting developing engineers.

Desirable

• Experience supporting framework delivery and business development.
• Experience reviewing technical standards and engineering governance.
• Experience working collaboratively with contractors and delivery partners.
• Knowledge of digital engineering tools and modern methods of project delivery.

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.

If you're looking to lead complex hydraulic engineering projects while helping shape the future of water infrastructure across the UK, we'd love to hear from you.

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. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

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 we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 8829

Other Locations: Leeds, Cambridge

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