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Project Engineer – Pre Construction – Water

Location – Hybrid / Southeast

Rate - £350 - £400 Per Day LTD

The Pre-Construction Project Engineer supports the early development, planning, and technical definition of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The role ensures that all mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (MEICA) elements are fully defined, coordinated, and compliant prior to construction. This position acts as a technical interface between design teams, project delivery functions, and the supply chain to ensure safe, cost-effective, and buildable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Management

* Develop and maintain Design Management Plans (DMPs) aligned with client and regulatory requirements (e.g., UK Water Industry Specifications, CDM Regulations, Environment Agency standards).

* Prepare, update, and manage design risk registers, ensuring hazards and mitigation strategies are clearly captured.

* Lead design coordination meetings to ensure multidiscipline alignment (civil, mechanical, electrical, process).

* Review consultant and supplier design outputs for accuracy, constructability, and technical compliance.

* Ensure all design deliverables meet stage-gate requirements (e.g., Feasibility, Outline Design, Detailed Design).

2. Technical Support

* Provide engineering support to estimating, including:

* Reviewing scope documents

* Providing assumptions and clarifications

* Identifying value-engineering opportunities

* Support planning teams with programme development, design delivery timelines, and technical sequencing.

* Assist procurement with specification development, tender documentation, and technical evaluations.

* Provide advice on MEICA integration within wider project designs.

3. Project Coordination

* Act as a technical liaison between internal teams, external design partners, and third-party stakeholders (e.g., statutory undertakers, local councils, utility providers).

* Attend and contribute to internal and external project meetings, design reviews, HAZOP/HAZID sessions, and constructability workshops.

* Ensure project information flows correctly between design, commercial, planning, and delivery functions.

* Support the development of Project Execution Plans (PEPs), integrating design and technical inputs.

4. Risk Identification & Management

* Conduct early-stage technical risk assessments to identify constraints, gaps, and opportunities.

* Coordinate with the supply chain to understand innovative products, off-site manufacturing, modularisation opportunities, and sustainable engineering solutions.

* Support the project team in developing mitigation strategies for design, construction, environmental, and interface risks.

5. Procurement & Supply Chain Engagement

* Develop procurement strategies for key MEICA packages (e.g., pumps, MCCs, instrumentation, control systems, chemical dosing equipment).

* Undertake pre-qualification assessments of suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring competency, safety performance, and technical capability.

* Produce detailed scopes, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria to support competitive and compliant procurement.

* Lead or support technical evaluations of tenders and supplier proposals.

6. Site Engagement & Surveys

* Conduct site visits across the South East to gather design information, validate existing conditions, and monitor design interface points.

* Coordinate with site teams to ensure design information is accurate, up-to-date, and constructible.

* Support optioneering exercises by gathering operational insight from existing assets and operational staff.

Deliverables

The Pre-Construction Project Engineer is expected to contribute to or produce the following outputs:

Design Management Plans

Risk Registers and Technical Risk Assessments

Scope and Specification Documents

Procurement Packages and Technical Evaluation Reports

Interface and Coordination Plans

Design Review Reports and Meeting Minutes

Input into Cost Estimates and Programmes

Pre-Construction Information for CDM Regulations

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Competencies

Strong understanding of MEICA systems used in water and wastewater treatment.

Working knowledge of UK water industry standards (e.g., WIMES, BS/EN standards).

Familiarity with CDM 2015 and design risk management principles.

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical documentation.

Experience with design coordination tools (e.g., BIM, 3D models, digital twins advantageous).

Professional Skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Ability to work across multiple concurrent projects within early design stages.

Competent in producing technical reports and documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical, Electrical, Process, or related engineering discipline.

Experience in the UK water sector (clean water, wastewater, non-infrastructure or infrastructure).

Experience in pre-construction, design management, or project engineering roles.

Full UK driving licence due to travel requirements.

Additional Notes

Role involves travel across the Southeast, including site visits and design partner offices