Senior Process Engineer- Wastewater and Sludge Treatment Wastewater and Sludge Treatment

We are looking for a Senior Process Engineer to take a central role in advancing wastewater and sludge treatment design across our major programmes. As we grow and strengthen our engineering function, you will have the opportunity to help shape how the team evolves and how we deliver technical excellence across the business.

Joining an established engineering centre of excellence, you will contribute to future treatment solutions, support strategic decision‑making and help develop best‑practice standards. This role offers significant development opportunities, with the chance to work on technically challenging projects, grow your specialist expertise and influence the direction of engineering within a large organisation committed to delivering essential services for our communities.

What you’ll be doing as a Senior Process Engineer

• Lead the early-stage design of wastewater and sludge treatment processes, including high‑level design, optioneering and process selection across the full treatment train. Lead the design of wastewater and sludge treatment systems that meet regulatory, environmental and internal standards of practice.
• Provide technical sign‑off and assurance during project delivery and handover, covering both wastewater and sludge process elements.
• Provide technical assistance to operational teams, including troubleshooting and optimisation of sludge and wastewater treatment assets.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering and technical teams to deliver integrated wastewater and sludge solutions.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of internal design standards, including those relating to sludge treatment technologies.
• Support the establishment of a cohesive, sustainable engineering structure from graduate level through to industry experts.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their development, including sharing knowledge on sludge treatment fundamentals and design best practices.
• Promote an active approach to driving diversity within engineering across Thames Water.

Base location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB
Working pattern or hours: 36 Hours, Mon- Fri

Necessary requirements for the role: A full driving licence is preferable due to the need to travel to sites across the Thames Water region.
 
What you should bring to the role
The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role are:

• Strong understanding of the typical processes employed in the treatment of wastewater and sludge, including their design principles, performance drivers and operational constraints.
• Experience in designing wastewater and sludge treatment systems, such as primary, secondary and tertiary treatment, sludge thickening, digestion and dewatering technologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex wastewater and sludge treatment challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and tasks across both wastewater and sludge treatment portfolios.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £51,000- £70,000 per annum depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.