Water Engineer

Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Our water team works across 90 countries, bringing together more than 50 technical and advisory disciplines to tackle some of the world’s most complex water challenges. From strategic drainage planning to sustainable flood resilience, we combine engineering, consultancy and research to create solutions that make a real difference to communities and the environment.

Across the UK, our multidisciplinary water teams work on a diverse range of projects spanning flood and coastal risk management, drainage, clean and wastewater infrastructure, and wider water challenges.

The focus of Arup’s Water team in Sheffield is stormwater. We advise our clients on the risk of flooding at strategic (city or region-wide) or site scale. We model the movement of water and the risks associated with flooding, using integrated hydraulic models. We plan and design nature-based solutions to manage stormwater and provide wider benefits in the built and rural environment.

This team has enjoyed strong organic growth, but demand for practical and rigorously proven solutions continues to rise.

We are seeking an experienced person with deep curiosity for the impact that water can have on people’s lives; someone who is driven to help us protect others. For this role, we would expect you to have experience of hydraulic modelling and/or the engineering skills required to develop design solutions. We predominantly use Info Works ICM, but we will consider applicants with backgrounds in other hydraulic modelling software such as Info Drainage/Microdrainage.

You might also be digital-savvy and have an interest in using digital tools to solve complex problems or eliminate repetitive tasks. Part of your role will be supporting the development of junior modellers or engineers. Your educational background could be as an engineer, a scientist or in a related discipline. We appreciate the value of diversity of education and experience because it allows us to bring new perspectives and alternative solutions.

Reporting to the Water Team Leader in Sheffield, you will be building or applying hydraulic models (including integrated models), using engineering judgment, and developing stormwater management design solutions for a range of clients such as the UK Environment Agency, water companies, local authorities, international clients and major infrastructure operators.

Working as part of a team spread across Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham you will provide hands‑on input through technical analysis and design using industry-standard software. The ideal candidate will have experience in hydraulic modelling, flood risk management, and a basic understanding of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).

• Deliver 1D–2D hydraulic modelling projects, including model build, calibration and validation, in line with industry standards.
• Use hydraulic models to assess flood risk and water quality, including surface water and fluvial flooding, storm overflows, SuDS and natural flood management.
• Develop stormwater management solutions from feasibility through to detailed design.
• Use GIS and terrain data to analyse information and communicate risks and proposed solutions.
• Take ownership of technical project delivery, supporting programmes, budgets and quality assurance.
• Develop survey specifications and liaise with survey subcontractors.
• Mentor and support junior modellers and engineers across the team and wider modelling community.
• Prepare and review technical reports, models, calculations and deliverables, and contribute to bids and proposals.