The Role:
We are working on behalf of a highly respected, innovative engineering business operating within the water and wastewater treatment sector. Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of capital projects, they are seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer to take ownership of complex treatment system designs from feasibility through to commissioning.
This is a senior, influential position where you will lead the development of full engineering design packages for projects up to £5M+, playing a critical role in shaping technical solutions, supporting tenders, and ensuring successful project delivery. You’ll collaborate closely with Project Managers, Process Engineers, Commercial and Operational teams, acting as the technical authority across multiple schemes.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead development and delivery of all design aspects for capital engineering projects (water & wastewater treatment schemes up to £5M+)
- Produce feasibility studies and concept design reports
- Develop full process design packages including calculations, PFDs, P&IDs, control philosophies and equipment specifications
- Produce plant layouts (plans, sections and general arrangements)
- Define civil and MEICA design requirements and specifications
- Conduct high-level optioneering at tender and feasibility stage
- Develop design briefs and scopes for specialist suppliers and subcontractors
- Review and validate third-party design submissions
- Ensure all designs are robust, compliant, cost-effective and aligned with CDM regulations
- Develop commissioning plans and participate in commissioning activities
- Support and lead technical tender submissions, including supply chain engagement and cost build-up
- Represent the business in customer meetings and tender evaluations
- Champion health, safety and wellbeing across all project phases
Skills/Experience:
- Master’s degree in Process, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
- Chartered Engineer status
- IOSH qualified in Process Safety (design, application and management)
- Qualified under CDM Regulations (Designer)
- Extensive experience designing complex water and wastewater treatment systems
- Strong understanding of civil and MEICA engineering disciplines
- Proven track record delivering major design packages
- Skilled in producing PFDs, P&IDs and equipment selection
- Good AutoCAD knowledge
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel
Salary & Working Hours:
- Circa £70,000 per annum + Car allowance
- Permanent
- Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
- Hybrid working (3 days from home)
Benefits:
- Private healthcare
- 26 days annual leave rising with service + Bank Holidays
- Option to swap Christmas and Easter holidays
- Life cover at 8x salary
- Personal accident cover (up to 5x salary)
- Competitive pension scheme (double-matched contributions up to 6%)
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible benefits package
- Flexible working arrangements