At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative water and wastewater projects, shaping the future of critical infrastructure.
- Company: Join a leading firm transforming the UK water sector with major partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in sustainable solutions and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in water infrastructure and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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. Your work will:
- 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
This is a role where your decisions matter — to clients, regulators, delivery partners and society.
About the Opportunity
We’re at the forefront of transformation in the UK water sector, partnering with major water companies including United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent Water and Anglian Water. We’re now growing our team in Bristol, seeking Civil Engineers, Senior Civil Engineers or Principal Civil Engineers to lead detailed design and Design & Build delivery across water and wastewater infrastructure.
As a Civil Engineer/Senior/Principal – Water (Detailed Design / D&B), you’ll:
- 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
You’ll bring deep technical credibility and the confidence to lead in complex D&B environments, including:
- 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)
Ready to Lead the Change?
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. We are a disability confident employer and welcome applications from disabled candidates as well as those who may not meet all listed requirements.
Principal Engineer Water D&B - Bristol employer: Jacobs
Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of the UK water sector transformation, where your expertise as a Principal Engineer will directly impact critical national infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on sustainable solutions, you will have the opportunity to lead multi-disciplinary teams in Bristol while shaping the future of water and wastewater projects. Enjoy a supportive environment that values innovation and safety, ensuring your contributions leave a lasting legacy for communities and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer Water D&B - Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for shaping the future of water and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in civil engineering and leadership can make a real impact on their water and wastewater projects. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer Water D&B - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your leadership in water and wastewater projects, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like your CEng status.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about shaping the future of water infrastructure. Share examples of how you've led teams and influenced project outcomes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:We want to see your technical chops! Be sure to include details about your experience with BIM, digital tools, and your understanding of AMP delivery. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our transformational projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead in the UK water sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to water and wastewater infrastructure. Be ready to discuss your experience with treatment works, pumping stations, and pipelines. This role is all about leadership in complex environments, so show them you’ve got the expertise to back it up.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams in past projects. Highlight your ability to mentor and develop future talent, as this role involves shaping standards and capability. They want to see that you can inspire others while driving projects forward.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and reforms in the UK water sector. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to low-carbon, sustainable solutions and the importance of safety in design. Showing that you’re aware of the industry landscape will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to digital engineering and how they implement BIM and Common Data Environments. This shows your genuine interest in their processes and helps you gauge if their values align with yours.
