Principal Engineer

Job title Principal Engineer Ref 41765 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary Competitive salary from £60,000 to £76,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. Job grade C Closing date 12/08/2025

We're seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead a team of approximately 10 specialists in planning and managing design activities for a diverse portfolio of wastewater treatment projects with values of up to £50 million. You'll oversee the technical aspects of the full design lifecycle-from concept and feasibility through de-risking to contract award and delivery-ensuring delivery aligns with project milestones and budgets.

You'll also be responsible for technical assurance of contractor designs, managing design changes during construction, and supporting project teams through commissioning and asset handover. As the key technical contact for Project Managers, you'll also help drive continuous improvement in health and safety through site inspections.

What you'll be doing as a Principal Engineer

• Responsible for the Technical Assurance of detailed designs by contractors and design change reviews, and waiver applications during construction.
• Responsible for providing the Project Teams with the support they need during the commissioning and handover of assets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Project Managers on technical matters.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the role of CDM Designer or Principal Designer.
• Conduct health and Safety inspections of construction sites and collaborate with construction engineers to continually improve our health and safety performance.
• Demonstrate competence in risk management, encompassing risk identification, mitigation, and control. Being able to de-risk and add value is a key requirement for this position.
• Undertake design reviews to ensure robust and safe solutions that meet business and operational requirements.

What you should bring to the role

• Be experienced in the design of, and a recognised engineering leader in the field of wastewater treatment.
• Degree level or equivalent - professional chartered ship.
• Understanding of the regulatory environment to achieve compliance as required.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to influence senior colleagues and collaborate with others to achieve buy-in from all those involved.
• Passion for continuous improvement.
• Drive professional development and diversity within Engineering at Thames.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £60,000 to £76,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• This role will come with a car allowance of £5,800.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Annual Bonus.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Contributory pension - Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% - 2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments - Open to all once a year.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.

We're the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It's a big job and we've got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you're interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we're looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world's water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process . We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we're here to help and support .

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advertisement earlier than the advertised date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.