We are seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to take a leading role in delivering process engineering solutions across water and wastewater projects. 

This is a senior position suited to a Chartered (or near Chartered) Engineer with strong expertise in treatment processes, who enjoys combining technical leadership with practical design delivery. 

You will play a key role in developing and approving process designs, guiding multidisciplinary teams and ensuring solutions are robust, efficient and aligned with client and regulatory requirements. 

 

The Role 

As a Principal Process Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across projects, taking ownership of process design and supporting the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Leading the development of efficient and practical process design solutions  

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

• Checking and approving mass balances, process sizing, hydraulic calculations and process flow diagrams  

• Reviewing control philosophies and commissioning strategies  

• Providing technical guidance and oversight across projects and supporting tender submissions  

• Directing and mentoring engineers and graduates  

• Ensuring designs comply with relevant technical standards, professional guidance and water company requirements  

• Ensuring project design changes are properly implemented and recorded  

• Working in accordance with formal design processes and procedures  

• Estimating design hours and supporting project planning  

• Attending and leading HAZOP, ALM, KM and other technical review meetings  

• Reviewing and communicating technical standards, procedures and updates  

• Supporting the continuous improvement of process engineering standards and practices  

 

About You 

We are looking for a highly capable process engineer with strong experience in the water sector and a track record of delivering effective treatment solutions. 

It’s essential that you have:

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

• Extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and plant design  

• Experience delivering process design for water and/or wastewater projects  

• Degree, HND or significant practical experience from technician level progression  

• Strong IT and digital capability  

• Chartered Engineer status  

It’s desirable for you to have:

• Experience across both clean water and wastewater projects  

• Experience participating in or leading HAZOP studies (ideally as Chair)  

• Experience supporting tenders and technical proposals  
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Why Join Us?

We are a growing engineering consultancy where experienced engineers have real influence over technical standards, project delivery and team development.

In this role, you will:

• Take ownership of complex process design solutions
• Play a key role in shaping process engineering capability
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across major projects
• Support the development of engineers progressing through the business

Our Manchester office offers free parking, excellent transport links and access to a fully equipped gym with changing facilities, alongside a collaborative and supportive environment.

We also offer:

• 23 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing with service
• Option to purchase additional leave
• Chartership mentoring and support
• Regular CPD sessions and industry-led learning
• Monthly team brunches and quarterly socials
• Cycle to Work scheme and free fruit in the office

We are primarily office-based but offer flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Contract positions may be outside IR35.

If you are a Principal Process Engineer looking for a role where your expertise can shape real-world engineering solutions, we would be pleased to hear from you.