Environmental Carbon Engineer in Reading

This role sits within the Chief Engineering function and offers high internal visibility, with a real opportunity to influence Thames Water’s AMP8 programme and long-term greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Central to the role is embedding carbon and sustainability considerations into business investment decision‑making, while also driving innovation across the organisation and fostering strong collaboration with delivery partners.

What you’ll be doing as an Environmental Carbon Engineer:

• Provide carbon and sustainability technical assurance for projects during optioneering and solution development, leading into design and construction.
• Review and assure deliverables related to carbon are aligned with the expectations of Thames Water Stage Gate Process.
• Contribute towards the identification of the most sustainable solution to briefed needs.
• Provide technical expertise in identifying opportunities to reduce whole life carbon of a solution.
• Review carbon performance of schemes and promote best practices.
• Work collaboratively with Thames Water’s delivery offices and delivery partners to support the uptake of low carbon solutions and technologies.
• Work closely with engineering and project teams to provide guidance and training.
• Assist in the de‑risking of projects and suggest appropriate mitigation.
• Input into the continuous improvement of Thames Water Carbon Management approach.

Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court Reading RG1 8DB

What you should bring to the role:

• Degree‑level education in engineering or a relevant technical field.
• Experience in the water, regulated, or infrastructure construction industry.
• Strong understanding of embodied and whole‑life carbon accounting.
• Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and support compliance within the regulatory environment.
• A passion for continuous improvement, environmental challenges and sustainable development.

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team:

• Experience in project delivery, asset design, construction, or operations (at least one essential).
• Experience in one or more of these areas: nature‑based solutions, natural capital and biodiversity.
• Good communication skills with the ability to quickly develop effective relationships and influence colleagues at various levels, and foster collaboration to achieve efficient delivery.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £42,000 to £50,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water:

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us? Learn more.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.