Principal Process Engineer

Mott MacDonald; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to contribute to significant projects in the UK water market. In this role, you will oversee process engineering, ensuring designs meet quality standards while driving innovation. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemical Engineering, relevant membership in a professional institution, and experience in wastewater process design. The position offers excellent benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and flexible working options.

Benefits

Annual bonus schemes

Employee pension contributions matching

Flexible working hours

Access to private medical insurance

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or relevant Process Engineering related degree required.
• Chartered membership of a professional institution preferred.
• Experience in delivering process design for wastewater projects required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee process engineering on projects.
• Analyse site performance and identify potential risks.
• Work collaboratively with commercial and operational teams.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Process Engineering

Water and/or wastewater processes

HAZOP studies

Project delivery

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Chartered member of professional institution

Job description

Mott MacDonald Bentley have been named a capital delivery partner on two multi-million-pound ‘lots’ that will see the company deliver projects across the region through to 2030 - with the potential for a five-year extension into AMP9 thereafter.

Wessex Water serves 2.9 million customers with water and sewerage services across the south west of England. Set for record investment in AMP8 – more than double that of AMP7 – MMB will bring its strong track record of innovation and direct-delivery to drive a programme of work. We will be delivering schemes located around Bournemouth, Poole and South Dorset area.

As Principal Process Engineer, you will contribute to projects that significantly impact our environment and communities. Working primarily in the UK water market, MMB provides the feasibility, design, construction, and commissioning services needed to keep water flowing and wastewater treated.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the process functions throughout the lifecycle of various projects. From concept design to commissioning, you will ensure that all process aspects are meticulously considered and integrated.

The role of a Principal Process Engineer includes:

Lead and oversee the design, planning, and execution of process engineering on projects. Lead development of process design process deliverables such as process models, mass balances, control philosophies.

Analyse site performance and identify risks that may impact project delivery. Develop mitigation to avoid negative impacts or exploit opportunities.

Challenge the process selection and delivery effectiveness of initial solutions to ensure we always offer our clients the best value solutions.

Identify opportunities for innovation to meet whole-life cost and net-zero drivers.

Preparing and reviewing designs for schemes and ensuring all designs are fit for purpose and meet current legislation and standards.

Producing and reviewing technical specifications and schedules for procurement activities, reviewing supplier tender bids and technical submissions.

Identifying opportunities to improve delivery processes including development and implementation of standard designs, sustainable solutions, and digital tools.

Acting as technical checker on project documents, and undertaking technical reviews for projects across teams.

Working closely and collaboratively with the commercial, operational and construction teams to develop efficient, practical and safe solutions throughout design stages, construction and beyond.

Supervising and mentoring our Graduates and Engineers assisting them to develop their knowledge and skills.

Positively engage with the client, managing relationships and adopting a one-team approach to supporting them in achieving their aims.

Undertaking site reviews to ensure buildability of solutions and integration within the existing systems.

What you’ll need:

Chemical Engineering or relevant Process Engineering related degree, or related field

Chartered member of professional institution e.g ICE, IMechE, etc, or equivalent experience

Experience and understanding of water and/or wastewater unit processes and treatment plant, with experience of delivering process design for wastewater projects.

Experience of HAZOP studies as chair or team member would be advantageous

Experience with water, or wastewater, non-infrastructure or infrastructure projects

Experience of successfully delivering high quality outputs in accordance with design, quality and safety standards

What’s in it for you:

Financial wellbeing

MMB match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.

As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues including our annual bonus schemes.

Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs.

Health and wellbeing

A minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy, sell or carry over annual leave through our flexible benefits programme.

Access to Life Assurance / Private Medical Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance and Health Screening options.

We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.

Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.

Enhanced family and carers leave

Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus the option for shared parental leave.

Up to 2 paid additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities.

Learning and development

MMB are committed to empowering our people to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. We offer structured development schemes that support your journey toward professional chartership. From day one, employees are fast-tracked towards chartership reviews and benefit from mentorship, hands‑on experience, and tailored training opportunities.

Other information

Mott MacDonald Bentley are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working

We are committed to providing a flexible and agile working environment that supports both our employees and the needs of the business.