Senior/Principal Hydraulic Engineer in Bristol

Shape the Future of our cities and environments. Are you a Hydraulic Engineer who is passionate about making the world a better place? Are you ready to take up a vital role in some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative projects? Join AtkinsRéalis and take a leading role in shaping the future of our cities and environments.

We are looking for an energetic and experienced Principal Hydraulic Engineer to join our team within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis. You’ll be part of a talented, multi‑disciplinary team delivering cutting edge, iconic projects to our Water market clients – clients such as Wessex Water, Welsh Water, Severn Trent Water, South West Water, Environment Agency, as well as other regional water authorities.

As a key member of our team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects both domestically and internationally. We’re committed to providing industry‑leading solutions throughout the project lifecycle, adding value through client‑side and construction‑phase support.

Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world‑class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration isn’t a buzzword. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we’re here to support you with whatever you need. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week being office/site based. This position is based in our Bristol or Birmingham or Swansea offices.

Your role will offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply knowledge, experience, and problem‑solving skills whilst providing good opportunities for career development.

• Coordinate or manage a team of Hydraulic engineers for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary projects following relevant national and project specific design codes and standards, and to high‑quality levels in areas such as pipeline transmission and distribution systems, and water treatment works.
• Responsible for producing and reviewing technical deliverables such as design reports, hydraulic calculations, hydraulic profile drawings, and surge models.
• Provide technical input into project design deliverables for hydraulic aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the project management team to successfully manage time and budgets to key project milestones and programmes.
• Collaborate with client, operational, project, or service activities within your immediate team and other related AtkinsRéalis teams.
• Provide mentorship to less experienced colleagues and help to grow the Hydraulics Team capabilities within the local region.
• Work independently with minimal technical guidance.
• Exercise personal judgement to solve difficult problems where appropriate and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Provide technical support for bid proposals.
• Work closely with a multi‑disciplinary team in the UK and overseas to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Adhere to quality assurance standards in design including check and review of own work as well as others.

• A degree in Civil, Mechanical or Process Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered or Incorporated Civil, Mechanical, or Process Engineer.
• Proven experience in coordinating or managing a hydraulic engineering design delivery team for a design consultancy including within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Takes broad perspective to identify innovative solutions to design problems.
• Requires strong knowledge and practical experience in hydraulic design of water / wastewater treatment works, transmission and distribution pipelines, sewage rising mains, and surge analysis.
• Practical knowledge of current design codes and standards as well as industry best practices such as WIMES, United Utilities S07, and HR Wallingford hydraulic reports.
• Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.
• Proficiency in applicable analytical software and related tools such as HADES, VARISIM, WANDA.
• Experience in Water market is essential.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively within diverse multi‑disciplinary teams.
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.