Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water in Southampton

Water resource resilience has never been more pressing. The south of England faces some of the most acute long-term supply challenges in the UK - a growing population, increasing drought risk, and ageing treatment infrastructure all converging at once. The engineers working to address those challenges, through strategic resource options, new treatment plant design and innovative source-to-tap solutions, are operating at the frontier of what the water industry needs to become. At Stantec, our clean water process team is at the heart of that work. We're looking for a Senior Principal Process Engineer to join us, based from our Southampton or Brighton offices, to provide the technical leadership and strategic thinking that complex, high-stakes clean water projects demand.

As a Senior Principal, you'll be taking technical ownership of some of the most challenging and consequential projects in our clean water portfolio. That spans AMP cycle delivery and long-term Strategic Resource Options schemes, from new treatment plant design and optimisation of existing assets, to strategic water transfer and recycling projects and emerging pollutant challenges such as PFAS. In terms of day-to-day activity, the scope is genuinely broad: from on-site test work and jar testing through to new system design and support for utility business planning. You'll be part of an integrated national clean water process team, which means that while your primary base will be Southampton or Brighton, you'll be working on projects across the UK and collaborating with our global colleagues as part of Stantec's one-team approach.

At this level, your influence will extend well beyond individual projects, shaping technical direction, developing the engineers around you, and helping to grow our presence and reputation in the south of England.

The south of England is one of the most water-stressed regions in the country, and the strategic decisions being made now will determine how communities access clean, safe water for decades to come. As a Senior Principal, the technical judgements you make and the solutions you champion will carry real weight - influencing investment decisions, informing utility business plans, and helping to future-proof treatment systems against emerging threats. This is engineering leadership where the stakes are high and the outcomes are visible.

You're a Chartered process engineer with deep, demonstrable expertise in clean water, whether your background is rooted in design, science or operations. You bring a strong track record of leading complex projects and the credibility to act as a trusted technical authority with clients, partners and colleagues alike. You're curious about innovation and genuinely motivated by applying best practice to difficult problems - whether that's improving existing asset performance through on-site testing or developing long-term strategic solutions to resource scarcity. You thrive in a collaborative environment and you understand that at Senior Principal level, your impact on the people and culture around you is just as important as your technical contribution. Experience across water catchment, resource planning, treatment design or emerging pollutant challenges would all be relevant here. Most importantly, you're someone who wants to help shape the future of clean water in the south of England -- and beyond.

We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed. We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024. We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE. We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network. Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it! Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more. Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.