Principal Process Engineer - Clean Water

With continued investment in the UK water sector, there is a growing need for innovative engineering solutions that improve drinking water quality, treatment performance and security of supply. At Stantec, our Process Engineering teams are helping clients deliver the infrastructure needed to build more resilient and sustainable water supplies for future generations.

We’re looking for a Principal Process Engineer – Clean Water to join our growing teams in London, High Wycombe, Reading, Brighton, Southampton or Cambridge. This is an opportunity to take a leading role in technically challenging clean water projects, influence treatment solutions and collaborate with experienced specialists across our wider Water business.

You’ll help shape water treatment and infrastructure improvements, build strong client relationships and support the continued growth of our clean water process engineering capability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Principal Process Engineer, you’ll lead process engineering delivery across clean water projects, providing technical direction from early feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and implementation.

You will:

• Develop and review clean water process designs, calculations, mass balances, hydraulic assessments and technical specifications.

• Evaluate treatment options and develop practical solutions to improve water quality, treatment efficiency and asset performance.

• Contribute to water treatment works upgrades, capacity improvements, asset optimisation and water supply resilience projects.

• Take technical ownership of project deliverables, ensuring designs meet client requirements and relevant industry standards.

• Work collaboratively with civil, mechanical, electrical and other engineering specialists to deliver integrated solutions.

• Support feasibility studies, design reviews, commissioning and process performance investigations.

• Build effective client relationships and contribute to bids, frameworks and business development opportunities.

• Mentor developing engineers, share technical knowledge and support continuous improvement across the Process Engineering team.

YOUR IMPACT

You’ll help deliver clean water infrastructure that supports safe drinking water, reliable supplies and sustainable communities. Your process engineering expertise will help clients make informed decisions, improve treatment performance and develop solutions that address changing water quality requirements and future demand.

At Principal level, you’ll combine technical delivery with project leadership, helping colleagues develop their skills, strengthening client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of Stantec’s clean water capability.

ABOUT YOU

Essential

• Degree qualified in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related discipline.

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) or actively working towards professional registration.

• Significant experience in clean water process engineering within the water sector.

• Strong technical understanding of water treatment processes, process design and engineering principles.

• Experience developing and reviewing process designs, calculations and technical deliverables.

• Proven ability to take technical ownership of projects and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with clients and colleagues.

• Experience supporting or mentoring less experienced engineers.

Desirable

• Experience across water treatment works, treatment upgrades, process optimisation or water supply infrastructure.

• Knowledge of UK drinking water quality requirements and relevant industry standards.

• Experience supporting feasibility studies, optioneering, commissioning or operational performance investigations.

• Involvement in bids, frameworks or client development activities.

• A commitment to sustainable engineering, innovation and continuous technical development.

WHY JOIN US

• We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.

• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.

• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.

• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups).

• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!

• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.

• Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead the delivery of clean water engineering solutions that make a lasting difference, we’d love to hear from you.

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. 

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities. 

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected]  and we will talk to you about how we can support you.