Principal Civil Engineer - Water

Scottish Water is launching an £8.1bn investment programme
—the largest capital programme in its history. Stantec has been appointed as one of only two Primary Design Partners to deliver this landmark framework through to 2039
.

This is not a standard framework cycle. It is a multi-decade pipeline of major water and wastewater infrastructure assets that will shape how Scotland lives for generations. Positioned in our Edinburgh office
, this win solidifies Stantec’s standing as the #1 design consultancy in the UK regulated water sector as we enter SR27.

At this scale, opportunities to shape a nation’s water infrastructure come once in a career. We are establishing our senior technical leadership team now—and as a Principal Engineer
, you will directly define how this major programme is designed, governed, and delivered.

As a Principal Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and governance across complex water and wastewater capital projects, acting as Lead Designer or Technical Director to ensure design rigor, innovation, buildability, and full compliance with Scottish Water and SEPA requirements. Working closely with our delivery framework leadership team, you will drive consistent technical standards, digital engineering adoption, and efficient resource allocation across the entire Scottish Water portfolio.

You will lead multidisciplinary integration across process, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental disciplines, resolving complex technical interfaces on major treatment assets and network schemes. A central aspect of the role involves client and partner engagement, where you will build and maintain strong working relationships with Scottish Water project managers, key stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and joint venture or contractor delivery partners.

From a commercial and project management perspective, you will drive project performance by managing design fees, scope changes, risk, resourcing, and key programme delivery milestones. You will also contribute to work winning and bidding activities, shaping technical fee proposals, bid strategies, and capability presentations to secure new opportunities across the region.

Finally, you will take an active role in team leadership and mentorship. You will line manage, develop, and guide senior, project, and graduate engineers, fostering a high-performing technical community in Edinburgh while serving as an ICE Supervising Engineer or Mentor.

As a Principal Civil Engineer
, you will serve as a technical lead and trusted advisor within our Edinburgh water business. You will take overarching ownership of major civil engineering design schemes—from high-level strategy and optioneering through to detailed design and construction stage support.

Beyond project execution, you will play a central role in driving technical excellence, steering multidisciplinary design teams, managing strategic relationships with Scottish Water and contractor partners, and expanding our technical capability in Edinburgh through team growth and mentorship.

• Degree Qualified: BEng or MEng (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering.

• Chartered Status: Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or equivalent recognized professional body.

• Proven Sector Expertise: Substantial experience leading the design of UK water and wastewater infrastructure (treatment works, pumping stations, major pipelines, drainage networks, and civil assets).

• Technical & Digital Authority: Comprehensive knowledge of civil design principles, hydraulic concepts, and modern digital delivery tools (e.g., Civil 3D, Info Drainage,…