Principal Civil Engineer (Water) - Design & Build

Lead from the front. Define the future of the North East’s water systems at scale. At Stantec, we don’t just design systems — we rethink them. With AMP8 underway, we’re scaling our Civil Engineering team to deliver next-generation water infrastructure with Northumbrian Water. Based on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, our team is driving change through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

You’ll also be joining at a pivotal time, as we kick off the Living Water Enterprise — a new long-term partnership with Northumbrian Water that’s redefining how capital delivery works. It’s a chance to be involved from day one, working on projects that are pushing innovation, sustainability, and community outcomes to the forefront.

You’ll work across all stages of the project lifecycle – from feasibility and concept through to detailed design and delivery. We’re looking for a Principal Civil Engineer to lead complex civil design projects, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and deliver lasting value to our clients and the communities we serve.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading the civil engineering input on major water and wastewater projects
• Liaising internally across multiple technical disciplines, junior Civil Engineers, senior Civil Engineers and working alongside the Project Technical Lead and Project Manager
• External liaison with clients, contractors, and third-parties, including regulatory bodies and planning consultants
• Driving forward Design & Build collaboration with contractors and clients, aligning technical delivery and requirements with constructability and cost-efficiency
• Developing concept-stage solutions and optioneering to identify best value for our clients
• Providing technical assurance, creative problem-solving, and design leadership
• Supporting the growth of our junior and senior engineers through structured mentoring
• Ensuring project success – high quality designs, on time and within budget

You’ll need:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, or a related field
• Chartered status with ICE, CIWEM, or similar is expected for this role
• Extensive UK water industry experience, including detailed design and delivery
• Strong leadership and communication skills — you inspire, guide and get things done
• An eye for detail, risk, value, and an understanding of the bigger picture

Why join us?

• You’ll be part of a high-performing regional team with real autonomy, strong support, and a direct link to shaping infrastructure that serves millions
• You’ll join a close-knit, down-to-earth team that values straight-talking, mutual support, and getting stuck in
• A global leader in sustainable design
• Structured development plans and clear pathways for career progression
• Huge volume of internal and external training opportunities
• Access to major frameworks with a secure long-term pipeline of projects
• Flexible working, private healthcare, income protection and many other benefits
• A culture that values innovation, autonomy, and doing what’s right