Principal Civil Engineer - Water

Company Description

Division: Water

Location:London

Ayesa is a global engineering consultancy with over 13,000 employees, where our UK & Ireland business combines international strength with the agility and autonomy of an SME.

With a presence in 40 countries, Ayesa has built a strong international reputation across a diverse range of engineering disciplines. Our expertise includes water and flood infrastructure, transportation, marine and coastal engineering, geoscience, environmental services, energy, and building structures.

Our UK & Ireland teams deliver technically challenging, varied projects that develop broad expertise without confining people to narrow roles - offering the opportunity to make a meaningful local impact while benefiting from the stability, knowledge, and career opportunities of a well established global organisation.

Position

The Opportunity

We're seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to join our Water Infrastructure Team within theUK, leading the design and delivery of civil engineering solutions for water, wastewater, sludge treatment centres and utilities projects across the UK and Ireland. You'll play a key technical and leadership role, guiding multidisciplinary teams and driving excellence from concept through to delivery.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead civil and structural design for water and wastewater treatment works, pipelines, pre cast and pumping stations.
• Manage technical quality and ensure designs meet CESWI, UK standards, regulations, and client specifications.
• Good understanding of offsite fabrication
• Oversee multidisciplinary coordination (civil, mechanical, electrical, and process).
• Lead design reviews, sign off deliverables, and ensure compliance with safety, sustainability, and BIM standards.
• Provide technical input during feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages.
• Support project management activities including scope, programme, and budget control.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, promoting best practice and innovation.
• Engage with clients and delivery partners to shape project strategies and technical solutions.
• Contribute to proposals, bids, and business development with key utilities.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver robust, compliant, and cost effective design solutions.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities and ensure adherence to Ayesa's Integrated Management System (IMS).
• Represent Ayesa professionally, building lasting client relationships.

Requirements

What You Bring

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in water and/or wastewater infrastructure design and delivery.
• Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng) with ICE or equivalent.
• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master's desirable).

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of civil design principles for water and wastewater treatment, sludge treatment centres and conveyance systems.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing D&B or consultancy projects.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Civil 3D, MicroDrainage, or similar) and digital design workflows (BIM).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Other information

What's In It for You

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary package to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy flexible working hours and hybrid working, allowing you to achieve a better work life balance.
• Employer Pension Match Scheme: We offer a pension match scheme to help you secure your financial future.
• Income Protection: Receive support in safeguarding your income in the event of illness or injury.
• Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind with life assurance coverage.
• Training and Development Programme: Access a range of training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Family & Well Being Support: Benefit from our Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits and our confidential support services to address personal or professional challenges, included in our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Sports and Social: Engage in our vibrant sports and social activities to foster a sense of community and well being among our team members.
• Increased Annual Leave: 25 days' annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, enjoy increased annual leave entitlements based on years of service.
• Recognition Awards: Receive recognition for your contributions through our awards program, celebrating achievements and excellence.

We're Inclusive by Design

Ayesa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.