At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative water projects and mentor future engineers.
- Company: Jacobs, a leader in innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team shaping sustainable solutions for communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of UK water infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in water infrastructure and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Shape the Future of Water. Lead What Matters. The UK water sector is changing faster than ever before. With unprecedented investment and sector‑wide reform underway, this is a once‑in‑a‑generation moment to leave your mark on critical national infrastructure.
If you’re a Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer or a Principal Civil Engineer ready to lead, influence and shape complex water and wastewater projects, this is your opportunity to step into a role where your expertise truly counts.
Your Impact
This is more than a technical role — it’s a leadership platform. You’ll be at the heart of transformational water and wastewater programmes, setting technical direction, mentoring future talent and influencing how vital assets are designed, built and operated for decades to come.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguard communities and the environment through safe, compliant and buildable designs
- Drive low‑carbon, sustainable solutions using modern methods of construction and digital engineering
- Shape smarter, safer infrastructure by embedding constructability, operability and CDM best practice
- Leave a lasting legacy across some of the UK’s most high‑profile water frameworks
- Lead Design & Build Delivery
- Lead integrated, multi‑disciplinary teams across civils, process, MEICA and construction
- Own technical governance — from design reviews and change control to BIM/CDE delivery and design freeze
- Act as the senior technical interface with clients, regulators, contractors and the supply chain
- Guide projects from concept through to construction and handover
- Champion Safety in Design, HAZID/HAZOP and risk‑based engineering
- Mentor and develop engineers, shaping standards, capability and future leaders
Qualifications
- Extensive experience delivering water and wastewater infrastructure (treatment works, pumping stations, pipelines, MEICA)
- Strong understanding of AMP delivery, water company governance and regulated utilities
- Proven leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams through design, construction and handover
- A safety‑led, risk‑based engineering mindset with strong asset lifecycle knowledge
- Experience using BIM, digital tools and Common Data Environments
- A degree in Civil Engineering (or similar) and CEng status (or working towards)
If you want influence, technical challenge and the chance to shape the future of UK water infrastructure, this is the role for you. Apply now and take your seat at the table for one of the most significant infrastructure transformations of our time.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Principal Engineer - Water D&B - Exeter employer: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and leadership roles in transformative projects, particularly in the rapidly evolving water sector in Exeter. With a focus on sustainability and safety, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and flexible working arrangements.
Contact Details:
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruitment Team
