Principal Engineer

Are you ready to shape the future of our water and wastewater networks?

We’re looking for an empowering and collaborative engineering leader who enjoys solving complex challenges and bringing people together. In this role, you’ll support and guide a talented team as they develop safe, efficient, and future‑ready designs — from early concepts through to construction and handover. You’ll be a trusted technical partner for Project Managers, play a key role in design assurance, and champion a positive, proactive approach to health and safety.

If you value teamwork, enjoy influencing across different groups, and want to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve, this is an opportunity to lead in a supportive environment where your expertise truly matters.

What will you be doing as a Principal Engineer?

• Leading and supporting a team of up to 10 people responsible for planning design activities for a broad portfolio of water and wastewater network projects — from concept design through feasibility, de‑risking and contract award.
• Managing and monitoring design activities to ensure milestones and budgets are achieved.
• Overseeing Technical Assurance of detailed designs, including design change reviews and waiver applications during construction.
• Providing Project Teams with the technical support they need during commissioning and asset handover.
• Acting as the key point of contact for Project Managers on technical matters.
• Taking on the role of CDM Designer or Principal Designer as required.
• Undertaking Health & Safety inspections, working closely with construction engineers to drive safe working practices.
• Applying strong risk‑management skills to identify, mitigate, and control risks, adding value throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conducting design reviews to ensure safe, robust, and operationally effective solutions.

This role will be a hybrid-based in Clearwater Court, Reading and will be expected in the office or onsite 2-3 days a week

The successful candidate must drive and have access to a car; this role does come with a £5.8k car allowance.

What you should bring

• Engineering Degree‑level qualification or equivalent, ideally with professional chartership.
• Recognised expertise in engineering for Water and Wastewater Networks, including major pumping stations
• Strong understanding of the regulatory environment and compliance requirements.
• Inclusive leadership and clear communication skills, with the ability to bring people together and build strong working relationships.
• Ability to influence senior colleagues and collaborate effectively across project teams.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Passion for supporting professional growth and fostering diversity within Engineering at Thames.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £60,000 to £76,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• This role will come with a car allowance of £5,800 per annum.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays).
• Annual Bonus.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% - 2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

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.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

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.