Principal Civil Design Engineer - Water

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.

Your impact

As part of Jacobs’ Water and Environment team, you’ll be at the forefront of one of the most exciting periods of investment in the UK and Ireland’s water sector. With billions being invested to reshape and future‑proof water infrastructure, your work will directly influence how communities access clean, sustainable water for generations to come.

You’ll help build and strengthen strategic partnerships with major water companies, contributing to every stage of the project lifecycle from feasibility and planning to design, construction, operations, and maintenance. With Jacobs’ extensive portfolio of multi‑year frameworks and global projects, you’ll have the opportunity to work on complex, high‑impact initiatives that challenge and grow your expertise.

Joining our team of nearly 600 water professionals means becoming part of a world‑leading consultancy with a reputation for excellence. You’ll collaborate in multi‑disciplinary environments, delivering innovative solutions on water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to take the next step, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a sector that truly matters.

We are looking for experienced Principal Civils Engineers with extensive experience in detailed design and design‑and‑build on water projects to join our offices across the UK to reinforce our existing civils teams and further support our frameworks with UK Water Companies.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in water civil engineering principles, project management, and a firm understanding of regulatory and safety standards. This role involves leading projects from concept through completion while ensuring high‑quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary civil engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Deliver innovative and sustainable design solutions across water infrastructure.
• Oversee technical delivery, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive project success.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development.
• Show exemplary behaviour in personal and team health, safety, and wellbeing management in accordance with Jacob’s BeyondZero approach.
• Continue to develop our relationship‑based growth model, fostering relationships with our existing water clients.

What You’ll Need

• Extensive progressive experience in civil engineering, with expertise in detailed design and design‑and‑build execution on water and wastewater non‑infrastructure projects.
• Strong grasp of civil engineering principles and project lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with UK water sector regulations and safety protocols.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Member of ICE or CIWEM.
• Robust understanding of current health, safety and welfare legislation.
• Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• Up to 10% company contribution into their pension.
• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.
• 24 days holiday plus the opportunity to buy/sell annual leave.
• Free employee medical cover and digital GP service.
• Enhanced parental leave pay.
• Fertility healthcare and family‑forming benefit provided by Carrot.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment, embracing the variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles of our employees through our Jacobs Employee Networks.
• Hybrid working / Part‑time roles / Flexible working hours.

Disability Confident Employer

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.

Hiring Process Support

To ensure your application experience is important to us, we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.