Principal Civil Engineer - Water

About Mott MacDonald and the Water Utilities Division

Mott MacDonald is a global consultancy with over 20,000 employees operating across more than 50 countries and 140 offices. The company delivers engineering, management, and development services that make significant societal contributions. The Water Utilities Division specializes in tackling water and wastewater challenges in the UK and Ireland by providing comprehensive solutions spanning from advisory services to detailed design, ensuring safe water supplies, flood prevention, and healthier water environments.

Role Summary

We are looking for a Principal Civil Engineer to join our award-winning OneWater team. This position involves working on diverse water sector projects across Ireland and the UK, collaborating with multidisciplinary experts to deliver innovative client-centric solutions. Responsibilities include involvement across all development stages of water and wastewater schemes, from planning to commissioning.

Key Benefits of Joining

• Opportunities to contribute to varied and impactful water sector projects and frameworks.
• Career advancement opportunities including pathways towards professional Chartered Engineer status and beyond.
• Engagement with a collaborative team of recognized industry experts serving major clients like Uisce Éireann, NI Water, and UK-based water companies.
• Access to extensive professional learning and development programs.
• Part ownership in a leading employee-owned company, rewarding contributions and shared success.
• Long-term security with multiple framework appointments through 2030 and beyond.

Candidate Profile

• A degree in Civil Engineering or relevant discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status or demonstrable strong alignment with Chartered Engineer competencies under Engineers Ireland or equivalent bodies.
• Experience leading design teams compliant with PSDP or equivalent health and safety regulations.
• Proven leadership in driving multidisciplinary technical delivery of water and wastewater projects with both technical excellence and commercial success.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, leadership, and client engagement skills, including mentoring junior staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in people or line management, mentorship, and technical leadership roles.
• Familiarity working with key water utilities such as Uisce Éireann, NI Water, Scottish Water, or United Utilities and associated regulatory bodies.
• Strong digital proficiency, including tools like Copilot/AI, Civils 3D, and SharePoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel to sites across Ireland and potentially the UK.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Pension contributions matched up to 7% of base salary.
• Competitive leave entitlements.
• Annual professional body subscription fees covered.
• Life insurance and income continuance provisions.
• Enhanced paternity leave.
• Annual company performance bonus tied to company success.
• Cycle to work scheme and travel TaxSaver options.
• Commitment to continuing professional development aligned with Engineers Ireland accreditation.
• Mentoring and career progression support.

Employee Ownership Structure

• Employee ownership with no external investors fosters a culture of collective achievement.
• Employees receive personal and group performance bonuses directly linked to company performance.
• Career progression is associated with increasing ownership stakes, recognizing contributions and long-term impact.
• Open communication channels exist for employees to engage with senior leaders and influence company direction.
• Senior role appointments include immediate pathways into ownership.

Equality, Diversity, and Accessibility

The company prioritizes fair employment practices, promoting an inclusive workplace that celebrates individual expression and equal opportunity. Accommodations are available for candidates requiring support throughout the recruitment process.

Work Environment

An agile hybrid working policy allows employees and managers to determine the best work methods to balance personal, client, and team needs, emphasizing well-being and flexibility.

Location and Contract

This full-time permanent role is based in Dublin, Galway, or Cork, Ireland, with a market focus on the water sector.