At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drainage engineering projects and solve complex water challenges.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, extra leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to delivering a better world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects that shape communities.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in drainage engineering with strong technical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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 seeking a Principal Drainage Engineer with extensive knowledge of 12D software to join our Perth based multidisciplinary team.
What you'll do
In this role, you will provide technical inputs in the delivery of complex drainage and stormwater engineering projects across major infrastructure and development sectors. You will play a key role in shaping design approaches, solving complex drainage and hydraulic challenges, and ensuring high-quality, practical, and compliant outcomes for our clients. Your focus will be delivering drainage designs using 12D, preparing stormwater management plans, and hydraulic modelling. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, providing specialist input and mentoring engineers, while contributing to project delivery, client engagement, and work-winning activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Technical delivery of drainage designs, stormwater management plans, and hydraulic assessments for major infrastructure projects
- Providing expert input into hydrologic and hydraulic analysis using 12D and DRAINS
- Developing practical and innovative solutions to complex drainage, flooding, and water quality challenges
- Reviewing and approving engineering designs, models, and technical documentation to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance
- Supporting project teams through technical guidance, mentoring, and quality assurance
- Engaging with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to provide trusted technical advice and contribute to winning work
- Ensuring alignment with Australian standards and guidelines
- Contributing to technical excellence initiatives and staying current with emerging tools, methodologies, and regulatory changes
What you'll bring
You are a recognised technical leader with deep expertise in stormwater and drainage hydraulics and a passion for delivering high-quality infrastructure outcomes. You will likely bring:
- Around 10+ years of relevant industry experience
- Demonstrated experience in the planning, hydraulic assessment and design of stormwater and drainage networks
- Strong technical capability across underground and surface water drainage systems
- Experience delivering major infrastructure projects within a consulting or multidisciplinary engineering environment
- Proven ability to provide technical leadership, design review and mentoring
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence working directly with clients
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of successful project delivery principles
Experience in the following areas will be highly regarded:
- Major road, rail, Defence, aviation, renewable energy or other large-scale infrastructure projects
- Application of Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR 2019) and relevant authority drainage standards and guidelines
- Software such as 12d, Drains, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS, MUSIC, RORB or similar hydraulic modelling tools
- Technical governance, independent design review and project assurance
- Established client relationships and market presence within Western Australia
- Experience supporting the growth and development of a technical discipline or team
Why you'll love working with us
Flexible work arrangements including alternative start/finish times, job-sharing and hybrid work options. Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year. Volunteer and representation leave to support causes important to you. Flex public holidays, giving you greater choice over how and when you take leave. You'll also benefit from access to industry-leading projects, technical experts across our global network, structured career development pathways and the opportunity to help shape some of Western Australia's most significant infrastructure investments.
Principal Drainage Engineer employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working model, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in the South East, where you can make a meaningful impact on transport planning while enjoying a range of personalised benefits tailored to support your well-being and professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Drainage Engineer
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like AECOM.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like AECOM and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Drainage Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at AECOM.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. AECOM will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Drainage Engineer at AECOM. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at AECOM, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show AECOM that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
