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- Tasks: Lead civil design on innovative water treatment projects and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Join a dynamic design and build contractor focused on water sector improvements.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, company car, and generous leave options.
- Why this job: Be part of a multi-disciplinary team making a real impact in water management.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering; Chartered or near Chartered status preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career development and influence on internal processes.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Principal Civil Engineer – Water Projects
📍 Hybrid working | Rickmansworth
A design and build contractor in the water sector is hiring a Principal Civil Engineer to join their engineering team. The role is available due to a continued workload across multiple secured frameworks and a focus on improving internal design capability.
Why this role matters
- Direct input into the design and delivery of clean and wastewater treatment projects
- Mix of hands-on technical work, leadership, and coordination
- Part of a large multi-disciplinary team with national project coverage
- Opportunity to influence process improvement and team development
What you’ll be doing
• Lead civil design on complex treatment works and infrastructure schemes
• Produce detailed design layouts and drawings that are practical, cost-aware and safe
• Review designs for compliance with technical, safety, and environmental standards
• Coordinate with other disciplines and external consultants to align designs
• Support the proposals team with early technical input and estimating
• Help improve internal procedures and design standards
• Mentor and support junior engineers
• Take an active role in quality control, risk reduction and client satisfaction
What they’re looking for
• Strong civil engineering background in water and wastewater treatment
• Skilled in producing rationalised plant layouts and civil design packages
• Experience mentoring junior team members
• Comfortable working across disciplines (e.g. process, mechanical, electrical)
• Degree or HND in Civil Engineering
• Chartered or near Chartered (ICE or equivalent)
• Familiar with CDM and environmental design principles
• Able to clearly explain technical decisions to internal and external stakeholders
• UK driving licence
Package and Setup
• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days leave + option to buy more
• Private medical and life cover
• Long-term career development support
Principal Civil Engineer employer: Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the water sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in civil engineering, particularly in water and wastewater treatment. Being knowledgeable about current innovations can set you apart during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in mentoring junior engineers. Highlight specific examples of how you've supported their development, as this is a key aspect of the role and will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work across disciplines by preparing examples of past projects where you collaborated with other teams. This will illustrate your versatility and teamwork skills, which are essential for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in civil engineering, particularly in water and wastewater treatment. Include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to lead design and coordinate with other disciplines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with their needs, especially your experience in mentoring junior engineers and improving design standards.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your technical skills related to civil design, compliance with safety and environmental standards, and your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Use examples to illustrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your strong background in water and wastewater treatment. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to produce detailed design layouts and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Skills
This role involves mentoring junior engineers, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've supported and developed team members in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you can influence process improvements within the team.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
The job requires working across various disciplines, so be ready to explain how you've successfully coordinated with other teams in previous roles. Provide examples of how you aligned designs with external consultants and other engineering disciplines, showcasing your communication skills and teamwork.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to civil design and project management. Brush up on relevant regulations, CDM principles, and environmental design standards. Being able to clearly articulate your technical decisions will impress interviewers and show that you're well-prepared for the role.
