Principal Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer – Water Sector

Location: Manchester, Leeds or Chester (Hybrid Working)

Design Sustainable Water Solutions with GHD

GHD is a global professional services company committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy, and urbanisation. We are currently seeking a Principal Process Engineer to join our UK Water team, based in either Manchester, Leeds or Chester, with the flexibility of hybrid working.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide range of water sector projects, including wastewater treatment, clean water treatment, and sludge processing. You’ll play a key role in designing and delivering innovative, sustainable, and technically robust process engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Design & Development: Deliver process engineering designs for water and wastewater treatment facilities, including sludge handling systems and clean water processes.
• Feasibility Studies: Conduct technical and organisational feasibility studies, including cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments.
• Data Analysis & Testing: Collect and analyse operational and design data to inform process improvements and testing protocols.
• Innovation & Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to existing systems, processes, and procedures using established change management frameworks.
• Project Delivery: Support the delivery of engineering projects within established project management plans, ensuring alignment with client expectations and regulatory standards.
• Client Engagement: Assist in managing client relationships and contribute to proposals, tenders, and technical presentations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Support colleagues in using knowledge management systems and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Contract & Supplier Coordination: Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure timely and quality delivery of services and materials.

What You Will Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on water sector projects.
• Experience in wastewater treatment, clean water treatment, and sludge processing is essential.
• Experience producing and checking detailed P&IDs, Control Philosophies and equipment sizing calculations.
• Familiarity with UK water industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience supervising junior colleagues (7–12 months) is desirable.

Key Competencies

• Action-Oriented & Accountable: Takes initiative and delivers on commitments.
• Analytical Thinking: Makes sense of complex data and identifies root causes.
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveys technical information to diverse audiences.
• Decision-Making: Balances inputs and trade-offs to make sound, timely decisions.
• Process Optimisation: Continuously improves engineering workflows and outcomes.

Why GHD?

At GHD, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. You’ll be part of a global network of passionate professionals working on projects that make a real difference. We offer:

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• A supportive and inclusive team culture
• Opportunities to work on transformative water infrastructure projects
• Career development and global collaboration

Equal Opportunity Statement

GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Ready to shape the future of water infrastructure?
Apply now and join GHD’s mission to deliver sustainable engineering excellence.

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