Principal Process Engineer in Newport, Wales

Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley to deliver award‑winning projects. With an annual turnover surpassing £500 million, Mott MacDonald Bentley cements its position as a leader within the industry. The sustained, robust business performance creates an ideal environment for career growth. We have secured a new framework with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water that will last up to eight years, tackling projects across the DCC region covering both clean and wastewater treatment sites, as well as below‑ground assets, reservoirs and nature‑based solutions.

You will contribute to projects that significantly impact our environment and communities. Working primarily in the UK water market, MMB provides the feasibility, design, construction, and commissioning services needed to keep water flowing and wastewater treated. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the process functions throughout the lifecycle of various projects. From concept design to commissioning, you will ensure that all mechanical aspects are meticulously considered and integrated.

Role of a Principal Process Engineer

• Lead and oversee the design, planning, and execution of process engineering on projects.
• Lead development of process design deliverables such as process models, mass balances, and control philosophies.
• Analyse site performance and identify risks that may impact project delivery.
• Develop mitigation to avoid negative impacts or exploit opportunities.
• Challenge the process selection and delivery effectiveness of initial solutions to ensure we always offer our clients the best value solutions.
• Identify opportunities for innovation to meet whole‑life cost and net‑zero drivers.
• Prepare and review designs for schemes, ensuring all designs are fit for purpose and meet current legislation and standards.
• Produce and review technical specifications and schedules for procurement activities, reviewing supplier tender bids and technical submissions.
• Possess a broad knowledge of industry standards and legislation.
• Be able to appropriately challenge client specifications and present and defend solutions to complex problems.
• Identify opportunities to improve delivery processes including development and implementation of standard designs, sustainable solutions, and digital tools.
• Act as a technical checker on project documents, and undertake technical reviews for projects across teams.
• Manage the interfaces and integration of the design with that of other disciplines and production of documentation.
• Able to actively seek input from other engineers, specialists, client and project team members to improve understanding and deliver fit for purpose solutions.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the commercial, operational and construction teams to develop efficient, practical and safe solutions throughout design stages, construction and beyond.
• Supervise and mentor our graduates and engineers, assisting them to develop their knowledge and skills.
• Positively engage with the client, manage relationships and adopt a one‑team approach to supporting them in achieving their aims.
• Undertake site reviews to ensure buildability of solutions and integration within the existing systems.

What you’ll need

• Chemical Engineering or a relevant Process Engineering degree, or a related field.
• Chartered member of a professional institution (e.g. ICE, IMechE) or equivalent experience.
• Experience and understanding of water and/or wastewater unit processes and treatment plants, with experience of delivering process design for wastewater projects.
• Experience of HAZOP studies as chair or team member would be advantageous.
• Experience with water, or wastewater, non‑infrastructure or infrastructure projects.
• Experience of successfully delivering high‑quality outputs in accordance with design, quality and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Methodical approach to problem solving.
• A proactive and pragmatic approach.
• Proficiency in delivering results within short timeframes, prioritising tasks and managing your time efficiently.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to sites.

What’s in it for you

• Financial wellbeing: MMB match employee pension contributions between 4.5 % and 7 %. As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues, including our annual bonus schemes. Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs.
• Health and wellbeing: A minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy, sell or carry over annual leave through our flexible benefits programme. Access to life assurance, private medical insurance, critical illness insurance and health screening options. We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace. Join a wide range of groups, including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• Enhanced family and carers leave: Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus the option for shared parental leave. Up to 2 paid additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities.
• Learning and development: MMB are committed to empowering our people to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. We offer structured development schemes that support your journey toward professional chartership. From day one, employees are fast‑tracked towards chartership reviews and benefit from mentorship, hands‑on experience, and tailored training opportunities.

Mott MacDonald Bentley are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Other Information

This role is employed by Mott MacDonald but will involve working across the joint venture business, both with Mott MacDonald and JN Bentley colleagues. Mott MacDonald Bentley is a joint‑venture business, established in 1999 between civil engineering contractor JN Bentley and global management consultancy, Mott MacDonald. Mott MacDonald Bentley offers fully integrated design and build services to its clients, combining the contracting expertise of JN Bentley and the design specialisms of Mott MacDonald.

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs. Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence. We believe that because we care about what we do, we do things better. We know that our people are our most valuable asset, so we are dedicated to investing in them, through our comprehensive training and development schemes, exposure to the wider design and build business and endless opportunities. We are committed to creating a workplace where our people are safe, have a voice, can reach their full potential, and everyone shares in the rewards. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that benefit our communities – from helping to secure water supplies for future generations to protecting homes and businesses from flood risk – our projects make a real difference.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A Mott MacDonald Bentley welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace where everyone feels included, has the opportunity to thrive, and is treated with respect. Even if you don’t meet every requirement for this role but are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are barrier‑free and as inclusive as possible. This includes making adjustments during the job application process and throughout your future career with us.

Agile working

We are committed to providing a flexible and agile working environment that supports both our employees and the needs of the business.

Location(s): Newport, GBPentre Maelor, GB

Contract Type: Permanent

Work Pattern: Full Time

Market: Water

Discipline: Water

Job Ref: 10082

Recruiter Contact: Lauren.Hutchinson@jnbentley.co.uk