Senior​/Principal Drainage & SUDS Engineer

Job Description Overview

Shape the future of our cities and natural environments.

Atkins

Réalis is a recognised leader in Surface Water Management (SWM) and a driving force in how rainfall, runoff, and blue‑green infrastructure are integrated into the built environment. We influence policy, innovate technical approaches, and support clients across the UK and internationally.

We are looking for a Principal Drainage & SuDS Engineer to join our multidisciplinary Networks & Drainage Solutions (N&DS) team. You will work on a wide range of challenging projects – from early‑stage strategy and Master planning to detailed design – alongside a highly capable team of engineers, modellers and GIS specialists.

We are committed to giving you the flexibility you need to thrive both professionally and personally. Ask us about our flexible and remote‑working policies, and our commitments to inclusion, such as our pledges on Women’s Equality and status as a Disability Confident and Inclusive Employer.

You will lead and support the technical delivery of drainage and SuDS projects for water companies, local authorities, infrastructure operators, and developers.

• Oversee the development concepts and detailed designs for SuDS and wider SWM solutions.
• Produce analysis and mapping using GIS tools (e.g. ArcGIS, Map Info) and CAD (e.g. Civil 3D) to understand complex environmental problems.
• Prepare technical reports, design documents, and quality‑assured deliverables.
• Maintain awareness of evolving legislation, standards and best practice.

• Manage projects or work packages, ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality.
• Support preparation of technical and financial proposals.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental, planning, landscape and engineering specialists.

• Engage confidently with clients and stakeholders.
• Identify business development opportunities.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues, contributing to a strong technical culture.

• Degree in Engineering, Geography, GIS, Environmental Science or a related discipline (HNC/HND with relevant experience will also be considered).
• Relevant industry experience in drainage, SuDS or related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and committed to continuous learning.
• Passion for sustainability, surface water management and the water environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to mentor, support and develop other team members.

• Working towards or holding a professional qualification (C.WEM, CEng, IEng or equivalent).
• Experience in SWM and SuDS strategy, design and/or modelling.
• Competence in AutoCAD, Civil 3D and hydraulic modelling tools (e.g. Info Drainage, Causeway Flow).
• Understanding of planning, environmental legislation, ecology, landscape architecture or environmental economics.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and client‑facing skills.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Take advantage of myriad training and professional development opportunities to grow your skills and expertise. Combine a hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

We are Atkins

Réalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

This role may require security clearance and…