Principal ECIA Engineer

Principal EICA Engineer - Staff Role

Location: Exeter (Hybrid Working)
Sector: Water & Wastewater
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure

Are you an experienced Principal EICA Engineer looking to lead the design of innovative water and wastewater projects across the South West? Join our growing engineering team and play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions for South West Water.

Based in Exeter with hybrid working available, this is an exciting opportunity to lead multidisciplinary engineering design, mentor talented engineers, and influence the successful delivery of major capital projects that make a real difference to local communities and the environment.

The Role

As a Principal EICA Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and high-quality engineering design across a diverse portfolio of water and wastewater treatment projects. You'll work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop efficient, cost-effective and buildable solutions from concept through to commissioning.

This role offers the opportunity to combine technical excellence with leadership, helping to develop both engineering capability and project success.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the delivery of high-quality EICA engineering designs for water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Produce safe, compliant and cost-effective design solutions that meet client specifications and industry standards.
• Coordinate engineering activities across electrical, instrumentation, control, mechanical, process and civil disciplines.
• Develop design documentation, calculations, specifications and drawings.
• Ensure designs consider whole-life costs, constructability, operability and maintainability.
• Support bid and proposal activities by providing technical input and engineering estimates.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and refining engineering procedures and best practice.
• Maintain effective design records throughout project delivery.
• Champion health, safety and environmental excellence throughout the design process.
• Build strong relationships with project teams and stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Mentor, supervise and support the development of engineers within the team.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Extensive experience delivering EICA design solutions within the water industry.
• Experience leading engineering teams and coordinating multidisciplinary design activities.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Full membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (HND with significant industry experience will also be considered).
• Ability to produce practical, efficient and commercially viable engineering solutions.
• Broad appreciation of electrical, control, instrumentation, process and mechanical engineering principles.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong IT and engineering software skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across the South West.

Desirable

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience supporting major framework or capital delivery programmes.
• Knowledge of relevant UK water industry standards and regulations.

Why Join Us?

• Work on major infrastructure projects that improve essential water services.
• Be part of a collaborative and highly skilled engineering team.
• Hybrid working with an Exeter office base.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to help shape sustainable infrastructure for future generations.

If you're passionate about engineering excellence and ready to lead the delivery of complex water infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.