Principal Engineer - Water Services & Water Quality in Manchester

We are proud to be a diverse employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK owned airport operator, we serve over 60 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate. Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We’re committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive. You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:

• Bonus scheme
• 10% company contribution pension
• Car allowance
• Private medical scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking / Subsidised public transport
• Huge range of company discounts
• 2 volunteering days per year
• Free Virtual GP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Care Concierge service

About the role: You’ll ensure our potable water, wastewater, surface water and trade effluent systems remain safe, reliable, efficient and compliant. You’ll maintain and evolve MAG’s water-related Technical Standards. You’ll provide expert technical direction across our airports, influencing long‐term asset strategies, investment decisions and the future of key infrastructure. You’ll also lead our approach to emerging contaminants such as PFAS, helping MAG stay ahead of regulatory change and environmental risks. This is a highly visible position with impact across the entire Group which offers the scope to shape policy, set technical standards and guide major capital programmes.

What will make you successful in the role? You’ll have a degree in environmental, civil, water or related engineering (Chartered would be preferred), as well as substantial experience in water services infrastructure and regulatory compliance. You’ll have experience in regulated or complex operational environments, with an understanding of EA permitting frameworks and water quality standards. Experience with PFAS or emerging contaminants would be desirable. You’ll have the ability to influence senior stakeholders as a technical authority alongside strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments: We’re building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We’re on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there’s space for your unique strengths to shine. Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don’t think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We’re committed to helping you perform at your best. At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.