Civil Design Engineer

AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent inhouse engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions.

We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects.

Role Purpose

The Senior Civils Design Engineer will lead and deliver civil engineering designs for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and value for money. The role involves providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle.

• Lead the civil design of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including:
  • Treatment works (water & wastewater)
  • Pumping stations
  • Pipelines (gravity and rising mains)
  • Tanks, chambers, and hydraulic structures
• Produce and check detailed civil design deliverables including calculations, drawings, specifications, schedules, and reports.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, legislation, and industry best practice (e.g. DMRB where applicable, Sewers for Adoption, CDM Regulations, water company standards).
• Provide technical input during feasibility, outline design, and detailed design stages.
• Review and approve design outputs from junior engineers and technicians.

• Support project managers with programme, cost, and risk management.
• Contribute to design risk assessments and constructability reviews.
• Attend design reviews, technical workshops, and client meetings.
• Support tender and contractor design reviews where required.

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to graduate and intermediate engineers.
• Act as a technical point of contact within the civil discipline.
• Promote best practice, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, process, and geotechnical disciplines.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and contractors to resolve technical issues.
• Support the development of client relationships through high-quality technical delivery.

• Ensure all designs comply with CDM Regulations and internal H&S procedures.
• Champion safe design principles and sustainability in engineering solutions.
• Maintain high standards of quality assurance and document control.

• Degree (BEng/MEng) in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience in civil design within the water and/or wastewater sector.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Hydraulic structures and pipeline design
  • Concrete and structural design principles
  • Drainage and earthworks
• Experience working on UK water utility or infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience delivering projects under AMP frameworks.
• Familiarity with BIM processes and digital delivery.
• Design-and-build project experience.

• Salary TBC
• Medicash plan
• Life insurance
• Benefits portal
• Company pension
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)