Principal Process Engineer

Company: ESL UK
Apply for the Principal Process Engineer
Location: Manchester
Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to take a leading role in delivering process engineering solutions across water and wastewater projects.

This is a senior position suited to a Chartered (or near Chartered) Engineer with strong expertise in treatment processes, who enjoys combining technical leadership with practical design delivery.

You will play a key role in developing and approving process designs, guiding multidisciplinary teams and ensuring solutions are robust, efficient and aligned with client and regulatory requirements.

The Role

As a Principal Process Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across projects, taking ownership of process design and supporting the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.

  • Leading the development of efficient and practical process design solutions
  • Reviewing and approving design deliverables, reports, specifications and design risk assessments (DRAs)
  • Checking and approving mass balances, process sizing, hydraulic calculations and process flow diagrams
  • Reviewing control philosophies and commissioning strategies
  • Providing technical guidance and oversight across projects and supporting tender submissions
  • Directing and mentoring engineers and graduates
  • Ensuring designs comply with relevant technical standards, professional guidance and water company requirements
  • Ensuring project design changes are properly implemented and recorded
  • Working in accordance with formal design processes and procedures
  • Estimating design hours and supporting project planning
  • Attending and leading HAZOP, ALM, KM and other technical review meetings
  • Reviewing and communicating technical standards, procedures and updates
  • Supporting the continuous improvement of process engineering standards and practices

About You

We are looking for a highly capable process engineer with strong experience in the water sector and a track record of delivering effective treatment solutions.

  • 10+ years’ process design experience within the regulated water industry
  • Extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and plant design
  • Experience delivering process design for water and/or wastewater projects
  • Degree, HND or significant practical experience from technician level progression
  • Strong IT and digital capability
  • Chartered Engineer status

It’s desirable for you to have:

  • Experience across both clean water and wastewater projects
  • Experience participating in or leading HAZOP studies (ideally as Chair)
  • Experience supporting tenders and technical proposals
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Why Join Us?

We are a growing engineering consultancy where experienced engineers have real influence over technical standards, project delivery and team development.

In this role, you will:

  • Take ownership of complex process design solutions
  • Play a key role in shaping process engineering capability
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across major projects
  • Support the development of engineers progressing through the business

Our Manchester office offers free parking, excellent transport links and access to a fully equipped gym with changing facilities, alongside a collaborative and supportive environment.

We also offer:

  • 23 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing with service
  • Option to purchase additional leave
  • Chartership mentoring and support
  • Regular CPD sessions and industry-led learning
  • Monthly team brunches and quarterly socials
  • Cycle to Work scheme and free fruit in the office

We are primarily office-based but offer flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Contract positions may be outside IR35.

If you are a Principal Process Engineer looking for a role where your expertise can shape real-world engineering solutions, we would be pleased to hear from you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: April 17th, 2026