At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative clean water projects and shape the future of water resource management.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated sustainable company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team driving growth and innovation across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by ensuring access to clean, safe water.
- Qualifications: Chartered process engineer with expertise in clean water and project leadership.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
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. If you're a recognised expert in clean water process engineering and you're ready to shape both the projects and the people around you, this is a role worth exploring.
ABOUT THE ROLE
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.
YOUR IMPACT
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.
ABOUT YOU
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.
WHY JOIN US
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.
About Stantec: 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 careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water in Brighton employer: Stantec
Stantec is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to make a significant impact in the energy sector through innovative projects like hydropower and energy building design. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative work culture, Stantec fosters an environment where engineers can thrive and grow their careers while contributing to meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water in Brighton
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
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✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Stantec and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Stantec.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Stantec will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water at Stantec. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Stantec, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Stantec that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
