Project Engineer (Water)

Project Engineer – Pump Optimisation

Team

Pump Optimisation

Location

North West (hybrid site, office, and remote working) expected 2 days per week in the Client office.

Role Overview

The Project Engineer is a technical role that will manage wastewater pump refurbishment, replacement and optimisation projects from initial survey through to completion, commissioning and handover. It is expected that there will be travel to sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess existing pump assets, pumping stations and associated equipment to identify performance, reliability, efficiency and compliance improvements.
• Develop scopes of work, technical specifications, risk assessments and project delivery plans.
• Coordinate pump removals, overhauls, installations, alignments, testing and commissioning activities.
• Review pump performance data, flow rates, pressures, energy consumption, failure history and maintenance records to recommend optimisation opportunities.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors and specialist service providers to obtain quotations, technical proposals and delivery programmes.
• Ensure all works comply with relevant health, safety, environmental and quality standards, including confined space, lifting, isolation and wastewater site requirements.
• Produce technical reports, progress updates, method statements, project documentation and handover packs.
• Support root cause analysis of pump failures and recurring operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve pump reliability, reduce energy usage, minimise downtime and extend asset life.
• Attend site surveys, site acceptance tests and commissioning activities.
• Ensure effective communication with internal stakeholders, operational teams, contractors and clients throughout project delivery.

Essential Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of wastewater pumping systems, pumping stations and associated mechanical equipment.
• Experience in pump refurbishment, replacement, installation, commissioning or performance optimisation.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, pump curves, specifications, and asset data.
• Good understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including flow, pressure, head, efficiency, wear, vibration and alignment.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to wastewater sites, including risk assessments and method statements.
• Ability to manage contractors, suppliers and site activities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose pump performance and reliability issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working for United Utilities and knowledge of their systems
• Experience working with contractors and organising site works
• Awareness of commercial processes (NEC)
• Confidence with raising work orders based on site scoping

Experience / Qualifications

• Familiarity with sewer networks, common defects/risks, rehabilitation techniques (e.g., lining, patch repairs, excavation).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to produce clear technical reports and project documentation.
• Alternatively, a degree in Civil Engineering or another related discipline.
• Full UK Driving License and ability to travel to operational sites as required.