Senior Process Engineer – Asset Optimisation

Costain Group PLC

. Provide strategic support to water sector frameworks to define and shape projects and programmes .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeManchester • United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in process optimisation and project management within the water sector, with a strong focus on wastewater treatment plant design and operation. Capable of providing strategic consultancy and technical leadership while mentoring junior engineers and driving team performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Process OptimisationWastewater Treatment Plant DesignProject ManagementChartered EngineerUK Regulatory Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Process Engineering DefinitionMass BalancesData AnalysisDesign CalculationsTechnology SelectionProcess Flow DiagramsProcess Control PhilosophiesP&IDsAsset OptimisationTroubleshooting

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsInfluencing Senior ColleaguesMentoring

Certifications & Qualifications

Chartered EngineerCIWEM MembershipIChemE Membership

Industry Keywords

UK Water Utility Asset Life CycleActivated Sludge Plant DesignMembrane Treatment ProcessesEngineering ConsultancyOperational Utility Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic support to water sector frameworks to define and shape projects and programmes
Manage asset optimisation projects and lead teams developing process optimisation solutions
Lead process optimisation studies and solution triage, with accountability for quality, budget and schedule
Develop process optimisation initiatives and solutions at site and programme level
Provide technical thought leadership and strategic consultancy advice to clients and joint venture partners
Collaborate with business development, work winning and marketing functions to develop and tender new opportunities
Review process design deliverables, including calculations, drawings, reports, presentations and proposals
Line-manage, mentor and develop junior engineers
Grow team capability and service to AMP frameworks
Lead troubleshooting and embed solutions

Requirements

What you’ll need

A degree qualification in a process-related discipline
Significant UK experience in the design, operation, and optimisation of wastewater treatment plants
Experience of large, activated sludge plant design and/or membrane treatment processes
Knowledge of the UK water utility asset life cycle process
Project management experience
Background in an engineering consultancy or contracting design environment as well as operational utility experience
Ability to independently drive teams and projects
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence senior colleagues
Attendance at site visits, design reviews and client meetings, circa 2–3 days per week as required
Chartered Engineer and membership of a relevant engineering institution, such as CIWEM or IChemE (desirable)
Postgraduate qualification (desirable)
Comprehensive knowledge of the UK regulatory environment (desirable)
Experience across the full project lifecycle, including scoping, outline design, detailed design, construction support, commissioning and handover (desirable)
Process engineering definition experience, including mass balances, data analysis, design calculations, technology selection, equipment and package datasheet specification, process flow diagrams, process control philosophies and P&IDs (desirable)
Commercial awareness and business development skills (desirable)
Driving required
Security clearance required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Predominantly home-based working arrangement
Permanent employment option
Fixed-term contract option