We are looking for an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to take a leading technical role within our multidisciplinary design team in the water sector. 

This position is suited to a Chartered Engineer with strong design experience who enjoys solving complex engineering problems, guiding design teams and ensuring high standards of technical delivery. 

You will lead civil engineering design across projects, mentor engineers at different stages of their careers and provide technical leadership to ensure designs are safe, compliant and efficiently delivered. 

Working closely with our Design Manager and Engineering Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring our projects are delivered to high professional and technical standards. 

The Role 

As Principal Civil Engineer, you will take ownership of the civil engineering design input across a range of water sector projects. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Ensuring design deliverables meet safety, quality and regulatory requirements 

• Reviewing and approving design deliverables, design risk assessments (DRAs), reports and technical specifications 

• Developing efficient and practical engineering solutions based on scopes, site visits and client requirements 

• Communicating design solutions clearly to clients and project teams 

• Directing and supporting engineers, CAD technicians and graduates 

• Guiding design work to ensure compliance with technical standards, professional guidance and water company specifications 

• Ensuring design changes are properly implemented and recorded within project documentation 

• Working within established design processes and procedures to maintain quality and consistency 

• Estimating design hours and supporting project planning 

• Attending and presenting engineering solutions at design reviews, ALM and KM meetings 

• Reviewing and interpreting technical standards, procedures and updates 

• Undertaking the role of Professional Head for discipline and Responsible Engineer/CRE for specific projects 

• Providing key technical guidance for both projects and tenders 

• Supporting the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices 

We are looking for an experienced civil engineer with strong knowledge of water industry design and a track record of leading engineering solutions. 

Essential 

• 10+ years’ design experience within the regulated water industry 

• Degree or HND in Civil Engineering or a related discipline 

• Chartered Engineer status 

• Experience producing hydraulic calculations and hydraulic profiles 

• Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering systems 

• Experience delivering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure designs 

• Experience working on outline and detailed design stages 

• Knowledge of construction methods, materials and engineering drawing practices 

• Strong IT and digital design capability 

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle 

Desirable 

• Experience acting as Responsible Engineer or CRE on engineering projects 

• Experience supporting technical development of junior engineers 

 

Why ESL? 

We are a growing engineering consultancy delivering projects across the water sector. Our team is small enough for engineers to have genuine influence on projects, while working on technically challenging infrastructure schemes. 

 

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will have the opportunity to lead complex design solutions, mentor engineers and help shape the technical standards of the team, while continuing to develop your own expertise. 

Location & Working Arrangements 

Our team is ideally based from our Manchester office, and we encourage regular collaboration in person where possible. However, we recognise that experienced engineers often value flexibility, and we are open to hybrid or remote working arrangements for the right candidate. 

Our office is located close to Old Trafford, with free on-site parking, good public transport links including bus and tram stops within a 10-minute walk, and a range of cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops nearby. 

Our building also offers free access to a fully equipped gym, with showers, changing facilities, hairdryers, towels and toiletries provided, making it easy to fit exercise around the working day. 

Benefits & Development 

From the moment you join us, your wellbeing and career aspirations will be supported by;  

• Competitive Salary  

• Company Pension 

• Professional Membership & Chartership mentoring and support for engineers working towards professional accreditation 

• Regular Line Management engagement and appraisal to support with your career progression 

• 23 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays 

• Additional annual leave after two years’ service 

• Option to purchase additional annual leave 

• Regular CPD opportunities, including lunch-and-learn sessions with industry specialists 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Free fruit in the office 

• Monthly team brunches and quarterly social events 

For contractors, we are also able to offer engagements outside IR35.