Principal Design Engineer

We're on a mission to make a lasting difference to the environment and the communities we serve. With over 3 billion being invested in our waste treatment construction projects over the next five years, there's never been a more exciting time to join us. Right now, we have a fantastic opportunity to join our Capital and Commercial Services directorate as a Principal Design Engineer within the Waste Treatment Technical Team. Location: Midlands (Various Locations) Your Role: Driving Technical Excellence As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll report directly to the Waste Treatment Technical Lead and work hand-in-hand with Design Managers to lead the technical delivery of our ambitious capital programme. You'll be instrumental in developing engineering and process solutions, guiding multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring the successful design, delivery, and handover of projects. Your work will directly impact how we treat wastewater efficiently, safely, and sustainably. What You'll Be Doing: Act as the technical authority on waste treatment projects - leading design optioneering, innovation, and delivery of low-carbon, cost-effective, and buildable solutions. Provide hands-on technical support to the Waste Treatment Core Design Team while mentoring and developing the next of engineers. Oversee the creation of engineering designs and specifications that meet all relevant safety, environmental, operational, and legislative requirements. Assess and manage deviations from design standards, collaborating with standards owners for formal approvals. Ensure adherence to all health and safety design standards, including HazOp, HazCon, DSEAR, and CDM Regulations. Share lessons learned across the organisation, champion innovation, and drive continuous improvement. Build and maintain strong networks with internal and external stakeholders to keep ahead of best practice and industry innovation. What We're Looking For: Chartered Engineer status (essential), with deep technical knowledge of waste treatment processes, technologies, and systems. Proven experience leading in multi-disciplinary design environments. A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for mentoring others. A proactive, positive, and inclusive attitude that reflects our values of care and responsibility. We believe character is just as important as credentials. We celebrate and welcome people from all backgrounds - because that's how we learn and grow together. What's In It for You? This isn't just a job - it's a career. You'll be supported, developed, and rewarded as part of a business that genuinely cares. 28 days' holiday + bank holidays (with options to buy/sell up to 5 days) Annual bonus scheme (Based on company performance) Leading pension scheme - double matched up to 15% Sharesave scheme - buy company shares at a discounted rate Comprehensive training and development via our in-house Academy Electric vehicle scheme, retail discounts, and family-friendly policies Two paid volunteering days per year to give back to your community Ready to Apply? We'd love to hear from you. All you need is your CV and a few minutes of your time to apply. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know the outcome