Civil engineer detailed design- associate director

Market Water

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This is more than a role, it’s your opportunity to shape some of the UK’s most ambitious water programmes during a once-in-a-generation transformation.

As an Associate Director/Principal, you’ll sit at the heart of delivery, setting the technical direction, influencing programme outcomes and leading the teams that make it happen. From detailed design to live construction, your decisions will drive safe, buildable, innovative solutions that stand the test of time.

You’ll be the trusted voice clients rely on, the technical leader teams look up to, and the driving force behind delivery excellence across complex Design & Build environments.

About the Opportunity

With unprecedented investment across AMP cycles and long-term frameworks, we’re growing — and we’re looking for leaders ready to step up and make a difference.

At Jacobs, you’ll:

Lead from the front – owning technical strategy, governance, and final design sign-off across major water and wastewater projects

Influence at scale – shaping programme-wide decisions, driving value engineering and commercial outcomes

Champion delivery excellence – embedding constructability, safety and innovation into every solution

Collaborate without boundaries – working across multidisciplinary teams, clients and delivery partners in truly integrated environments

Develop and inspire – growing high-performing teams while advancing digital engineering, standardisation and modern methods of construction

Drive growth – contributing to bids, strengthening client relationships and shaping the future of Jacobs’ water capability

This is a career-defining leadership role with a clear pathway toward Director level, where your expertise will have visible, lasting impact

Here's what you'll need

Degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)

Chartered Engineer (CEng) – ICE or equivalent

Proven experience delivering complex detailed design in regulated water/wastewater environments

Strong track record in Design & Build or alliancing delivery models

The ability to act as a senior technical authority, resolving complex challenges with confidence

Exceptional stakeholder and client engagement skills

And if you bring these, even better:

Experience at programme or framework level

Knowledge of NEC3 / NEC4 contracts

Ability to influence commercial outcomes through technical leadership

Strong digital and BIM capability

Passion for business growth and strategic development

What’s In It for You

A high-impact leadership role on nationally significant water programmes

The chance to shape technical strategy and innovation at scale

A clear pathway to Director-level progression

Flexible working and a strong commitment to wellbeing and work-life balance

A collaborative, forward-thinking culture with real investment in people and capability

Ready to make your mark?

Join us and help deliver the infrastructure our communities depend on — today and for generations to come.

Apply now and lead the change with Jacobs.

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