At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative hydraulic engineering projects that shape the future of water infrastructure.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company known for its inclusive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and great perks.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment through cutting-edge engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in hydraulic projects are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
The UK water sector is experiencing unprecedented investment, creating exciting opportunities to deliver innovative engineering solutions that improve resilience, protect the environment and support communities for generations to come. At Stantec, our national Hydraulic Engineering team is at the forefront of this transformation, providing specialist expertise across some of the UK's largest regulated water frameworks.
We're looking for a Principal Hydraulic Engineer to join our growing team in Warrington, Leeds or Cambridge. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of technically complex hydraulic engineering projects while working alongside recognised industry specialists within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment. You'll play a key role in delivering innovative solutions, strengthening client relationships and supporting the continued growth of our nationally recognised Hydraulic Engineering capability.
As a Principal Hydraulic Engineer, you'll lead the technical delivery of hydraulic engineering studies across a wide range of water infrastructure projects, supporting delivery from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and construction support.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Leading complex hydraulic studies, including steady state and transient analysis.
- Providing technical guidance on hydraulic structures, pumping systems and conveyance assets.
- Reviewing hydraulic models, calculations and technical reports to ensure engineering excellence.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Project Managers and clients to develop innovative engineering solutions.
- Mentoring and supporting developing engineers across the Hydraulic Engineering team.
- Building strong relationships with clients while contributing to technical innovation and continuous improvement.
Your Impact:
Your expertise will directly influence the resilience, efficiency and long‑term performance of critical water infrastructure across the UK. Through high‑quality hydraulic engineering, you'll help clients improve operational performance, reduce risk and deliver sustainable solutions that meet future environmental and regulatory challenges. Beyond project delivery, you'll play an important role in developing technical capability across the business by mentoring colleagues, sharing specialist knowledge and driving engineering excellence. Your contribution will help strengthen Stantec's reputation as a trusted partner for complex hydraulic engineering solutions.
About You:
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering or a related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards professional registration.
- Significant experience delivering hydraulic engineering projects within the UK water sector.
- Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, hydraulic structures and transient analysis.
- Experience using hydraulic modelling software such as HADES, VARISM, Flow‑3D or equivalent.
- Experience leading technical delivery across multidisciplinary engineering projects.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience mentoring and supporting developing engineers.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting framework delivery and business development.
- Experience reviewing technical standards and engineering governance.
- Experience working collaboratively with contractors and delivery partners.
- Knowledge of digital engineering tools and modern methods of project delivery.
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. If you're looking to lead complex hydraulic engineering projects while helping shape the future of water infrastructure across the UK, we'd love to hear from you.
Principal Hydraulic Engineer in Cambridge 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 Hydraulic Engineer in Cambridge
✨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
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Stantec.
✨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 Hydraulic Engineer in Cambridge
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 Hydraulic Engineer 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.
