Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater
Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater

Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater

Chesterfield Full-Time 48000 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful water infrastructure projects and mentor early-career engineers.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, dedicated to delivering a better world.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, career development opportunities, and personalised benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in communities through innovative engineering solutions.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering; experience in the water sector at Principal level required.
  • Other info: Diversity is celebrated here; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and abilities.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ per year.

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we\’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world\’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We\’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Start here. Grow here.
Are you looking to take the next step in your career with a company that\’s delivering the future of water infrastructure?
We\’re looking for a Principal Civil Engineer to join our growing Water team in Leeds, Chesterfield or Manchester. As part of a collaborative and forward-thinking multidisciplinary team, you\’ll help deliver impactful projects that improve everyday life, across the UK and beyond.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to some of the most high-profile and rewarding infrastructure programmes in the water sector. We work with water and sewerage providers, local authorities, and national clients on a range of projects, from upgrading treatment works to helping shape long-term strategies for sustainability, resilience and growth.
You\’ll be part of a dynamic local team of high-performing civil engineers, with expertise spanning from apprentice to director level, and integrated within our broader national Water team. This role offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership, mentor and support early-career colleagues, and contribute to their development through line management and training agreements. You\’ll also have the chance to enhance your own skills in project and client management, while continuing to grow your technical expertise, with clear opportunities for career development and progression.
Recent Projects Include:

  • Major upgrades of sewage and water treatment works at Wanlip, Matlock, and Worcester for Severn Trent.
  • CSO investigations and solutions for Anglian Water and Scottish Water (Caledonia Water Alliance).
  • Local infrastructure projects for Derbyshire County Council and Derby City.
  • Strategic advice for national clients including DEFRA, Network Rail, and National Highways.

Our work covers the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and design to delivery and asset management – offering variety, challenge and purpose.
Here\’s what you\’ll do:

  • Collaborating with engineers, modellers, environmental scientists, and other specialists to deliver high-quality water and wastewater projects.
  • Contributing across all design stages, from concept through to detailed design and technical reporting.
  • Applying creative and practical thinking to solve real-world engineering challenges.
  • Ensuring designs meet relevant standards, regulations, and best practice.
  • Leading the technical delivery of key projects and reviewing work produced by others.
  • Managing project scope, budget, and timelines effectively.
  • Building strong relationships with clients, providing regular updates and technical guidance.
  • Mentoring and supporting early-career professionals in your team.

If you\’re passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team, where we don\’t just construct infrastructure but also uplift communities and enhance lives. Why not give our AECOM Water page on LinkedIn a follow to stay updated on the impactful projects we\’re working on and see firsthand the difference we\’re making in the industry!
Come & Grow with Us.
Become part of our dynamic Water business, which boasts around 670 experts across the UK & Ireland. Collaborate with top-tier civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver a variety of captivating projects, from small initiatives to large-scale ventures, all the way from concept to completion. Here, you\’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.
Enjoy the Perks.
At AECOM, you\’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.
Qualifications
Ready to push the limits of what\’s possible?
Here\’s what we\’re looking for:

  • Bachelor\’s or Master\’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification, or demonstratable equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience within the water sector at the Principal level.
  • Chartered or Incorporated with a relevant institution e.g. ICE, CIWEM or working towards.
  • Experience of undertaking engineering assessments, options appraisals, engineering calculations and / or economic appraisals.
  • Experience of outline and / or detailed design of wastewater / water treatment schemes schemes.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at . At AECOM, we value everyone\’s unique contributions and perspectives.
If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Additional Information
Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!
For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn – Jay Hewitt.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world\’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you\’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We\’re the world\’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we\’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.
Join us, and you\’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person\’s potential, and we\’ll help you reach yours.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
ReqID: J
Business Line: Water
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India
Career Area: Engineering
Work Location Model: Hybrid
Legal Entity: AECOM Limited
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Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater employer: AECOM-1

At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on career development, flexible hybrid working options, and a commitment to delivering impactful water infrastructure projects, our team in Leeds, Chesterfield, or Manchester enjoys unique opportunities to grow professionally while making a tangible difference in communities. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
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Contact Detail:

AECOM-1 Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the water sector, especially those who work at AECOM or similar companies. Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Follow AECOM's social media channels, particularly their LinkedIn page, to stay updated on their latest projects and initiatives. Engaging with their content can help you understand their values and priorities, which is crucial for interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Research recent projects that AECOM has completed in the water sector. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their current needs during networking or interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Consider reaching out to current employees at AECOM via LinkedIn for informational interviews. This can provide you with insider insights into the role and the company, helping you tailor your approach when applying.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater

Civil Engineering Expertise
Water and Wastewater Treatment Design
Project Management
Technical Leadership
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Engineering Assessments
Options Appraisals
Engineering Calculations
Economic Appraisals
Client Relationship Management
Mentoring and Coaching
Collaboration and Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in civil engineering, particularly within the water sector. Emphasise any leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, timelines, and teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for water infrastructure and your alignment with AECOM's mission. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role of Principal Civil Engineer and how you can contribute to their goals.

Showcase Technical Expertise: In your application, include examples of your technical skills, such as engineering assessments, design of wastewater treatment schemes, and project management. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements.

Highlight Mentorship Experience: Since the role involves mentoring early-career professionals, be sure to mention any previous experience you have in training or supporting junior engineers. This will demonstrate your leadership capabilities and commitment to team development.

How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM-1

✨Understand the Company and Its Values

Before your interview, take some time to research AECOM's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects in the water sector and how they contribute to sustainable infrastructure. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll need to highlight your technical skills and experience in water treatment and wastewater management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Use examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and leadership in engineering.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your teamwork, leadership, and mentoring skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams or mentored junior engineers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project management processes, or future projects in the pipeline. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater
AECOM-1
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  • Principal Civil Engineer, Wastewater

    Chesterfield
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-20

  • A

    AECOM-1

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