At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse water projects, ensuring high-quality design and sustainable engineering solutions.
- Company: Join Fairhurst LLP, a top UK consulting engineering firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water sustainability while developing your career in engineering.
- Qualifications: Chartered engineer with experience in drainage and water infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Fairhurst LLP – Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships. Our Water Services Team is passionate about supporting and managing how engineering projects interface with, protect, and ensure the sustainability of our water environment.
Role Overview – The Principal Drainage & Water Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for delivering on a broad and diverse range of water projects, including major infrastructure, flood management, masterplan development, and renewables/energy schemes. The role requires strong technical capability, a commitment to high‑quality design, and an ambition to develop experience in both project and client management. This role can be based in our Glasgow or Edinburgh office.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Technical & Design
- Deliver high‑quality design work across drainage, flood management and water related infrastructure projects.
- Experience in utilising software packages such as MicroDrainage, Causeway Flow and/or InfoDrainage to oversee production of accurate drainage models, drawings, and technical reports.
- Develop practical and sustainable engineering solutions that respond to environmental, planning, and client requirements.
- Assist in technical reviews, ensuring designs align with best practice and project specifications.
- Project Management
- Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of engineering tasks and project packages.
- Monitor progress, manage priorities, and contribute to forecasting, resources, and project reporting.
- Develop experience in commercial awareness, risk management, and programme control.
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, ensuring compliance with deadlines and quality standards.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Attend meetings, workshops, and site visits (driving licence required).
- Communicate proactively with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulators.
- Represent Fairhurst professionally, clearly conveying technical information to varied audiences.
- Build strong, long‑term working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- Quality & Compliance
- Ensure all work meets Fairhurst’s quality management processes and industry standards.
- Follow relevant legislation, design codes, and internal governance procedures.
- Maintain accurate records, transparent assumptions, and auditable design outputs.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Leadership & Mentoring
- Support and guide junior team members, sharing knowledge and encouraging professional development.
- Assist in developing skills within the team and contribute to a positive, collaborative working environment.
- Principal Engineers may lead project teams, undertake line management duties, or develop specialist areas of expertise.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Chartered with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or Chartered Institution of Water Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- Strong experience in drainage, water, and infrastructure engineering across varied project types.
- Competence in drainage software packages such as MicroDrainage, Causeway Flow and/or InfoDrainage.
- Full UK driving licence (required for site work and client visits).
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
- Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
- Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance.
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme.
- Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award.
- Access to Staff Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme including a 24-hour advice line.
- BUPA Company Care Scheme.
- Life Insurance, Personal Accident and a generous Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Interest-free travel loan, Cycle to Work Scheme and Arnold Clark Affinity Scheme.
- Payment of professional fees.
- Hybrid and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
- A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
- Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
- A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
You can learn more about our staff benefits here.
ETHOS
We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Please submit your CV and cover letter to recruitment@fairhurst.co.uk stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website.
Principal Drainage & Water Infrastructure Engineer in Scotland employer: Fairhurst
Fairhurst LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and technical excellence. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and opportunities to work on high-profile projects in vibrant locations like Glasgow and Edinburgh, employees are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to sustainable engineering solutions that protect our water environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Drainage & Water Infrastructure Engineer in Scotland
✨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 Fairhurst.
✨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 Fairhurst and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Drainage & Water Infrastructure Engineer in Scotland
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 Fairhurst.
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. Fairhurst 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 & Water Infrastructure Engineer at Fairhurst. 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 Fairhurst
✨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 Fairhurst, 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 Fairhurst 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.
