Principal Engineer - Dams and Reservoirs Major Projects

Principal Engineer - Dams and Reservoirs Major Projects

Join to apply for the Principal Engineer - Dams and Reservoirs Major Projects role at Mott Mac Donald.

Location(s): Cambridge, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Reading – UK

Recruiter contact: Laura Easdon

Mott Mac Donald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve.

We are seeking a Principal Civil Engineer with a strong background in delivering major infrastructure projects, detailed design, and working collaboratively with clients and contractors. A pragmatic approach to problem‑solving and decision‑making is essential. You will join our Dams and Reservoirs team, contributing to the delivery of high‑profile projects across the UK and internationally, leading multidisciplinary design teams, engaging directly with clients and contractors, and shaping the future of water infrastructure.

• Lead the detailed design of complex civil engineering works, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with industry standards; harness our existing expertise in geotechnical engineering, hydraulic structures, risk assessment and collaborate with specialists in hydrology, hydropower, water transfers, environment, planning and beyond.
• Deliver robust and buildable solutions considering practical constraints and opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with contractors to develop buildable, cost‑effective solutions within design and build frameworks.
• Manage project deliverables, timelines, and quality assurance processes.
• Prepare feasibility studies, calculations, specifications, drawings and schedules.
• Support site supervision and construction phases, resolving technical challenges as they arise.
• Represent Mott Mac Donald in client and stakeholder meetings, building strong relationships to support business growth.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical development across the team.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture and drive continuous improvement in project delivery.

• Proven track record of experience in dams, reservoirs, hydropower, hydraulic structures and/or river engineering.
• Experience in design and delivery of major infrastructure projects in the water engineering sector.
• Ability and enthusiasm to provide supervision to engineers, technicians and apprentices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience of managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.

• Chartered / Incorporated civil engineer with a relevant professional institution.
• Experience of managing clients and other project stakeholders.
• Appointed to the Supervising or All Reservoir Panel under the Reservoirs Act.
• Experience in BIM and collaborative environments, e.g. Civil 3D, BIM
  360, including supervising the work of others.

Mott Mac Donald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well‑being, flexibility, and trust.

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reaso and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with…