Water Engineer - Job Opportunity at Mott MacDonald

Dublin, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 10, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 65,000 - 85,000 annually based on Chartered Engineer status, Irish market conditions for senior water engineers, and Mott MacDonald's position as a premium global consultancy. Total compensation including benefits and bonus potential likely reaches EUR 75,000 - 95,000.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working arrangements that enable optimal work-life balance and productivity optimization
Competitive pension scheme with employer matching up to 7% of base salary, providing substantial retirement security
Enhanced annual leave package exceeding standard market provisions
Professional development investment through annual institution subscription fees
Comprehensive life insurance coverage providing financial security for beneficiaries
Income continuance protection ensuring financial stability during illness or injury
Progressive enhanced paternity leave benefits supporting modern family needs
Performance-linked annual bonus scheme tied to company success, rewarding collective achievement
Cycle to work scheme promoting health and environmental sustainability with tax benefits
Travel TaxSaver ticket program reducing commuting costs significantly
Accredited Continuing Professional Development programs ensuring career advancement
Structured mentoring and career progression support with clear pathways to leadership roles

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive water and wastewater scheme development from strategic master planning through detailed design to commissioning, ensuring delivery of sustainable infrastructure solutions
Drive technical excellence in project delivery for major utility clients including Uisce Éireann, NI Water, and Scottish Water, directly impacting national water security
Execute complex engineering investigations and design solutions in full compliance with PSDP regulations, maintaining the highest safety and quality standards
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of industry experts to deliver innovative, client-centric solutions that address critical water sector challenges
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers while managing project deliverables and quality assurance
Contribute to business development and framework delivery that extends through 2030, securing long-term organizational growth and market position
Champion sustainable engineering practices that protect water supplies for future generations while preventing urban flooding and improving environmental health

Requirements

Education

Civil Engineering or other relevant degree

Experience

Chartered Engineer status, or the ability to demonstrate strong alignment with the competencies of a Chartered Engineer

Required Skills

Proven track-record of delivering design solutions in full compliance with PSDP, or equivalent, regulations Proven track-record of delivering water and/or wastewater project outputs Effective communication skills and an ability to work effectively within a supportive team environment Personal responsibility for delivering high-quality results within your area of responsibility, while supporting and managing others

Certifications

Chartered Engineer status (Engineers Ireland or equivalent)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The water sector is experiencing unprecedented investment driven by climate change adaptation requirements, aging infrastructure replacement needs, and stricter environmental regulations. Ireland's water sector specifically benefits from EU funding initiatives and national infrastructure programs that prioritize resilience and sustainability. Digital transformation in water utilities is accelerating, with increased adoption of AI, IoT sensors, and advanced modeling software for predictive maintenance and optimization. This creates demand for engineers with both traditional civil engineering skills and digital competencies. Regulatory frameworks are becoming more stringent across Europe, particularly regarding water quality standards and environmental impact assessments, requiring engineers with deep compliance knowledge and innovative problem-solving capabilities.

Role Significance

Typically leading project teams of 3-8 engineers and technical specialists, while collaborating within larger multidisciplinary teams of 15-25 professionals on major infrastructure projects. Role involves matrix management across multiple concurrent projects.
This is a senior technical role with significant project leadership responsibilities, requiring chartered status and proven track record. The position involves both technical delivery and people management, indicating mid-to-senior career positioning with clear pathways to principal engineer or technical director roles.

Key Projects

Multi-million euro water treatment plant upgrades and expansions for major Irish utilities Regional wastewater infrastructure master planning covering multiple municipalities Climate resilience assessments and flood prevention schemes Water quality improvement programs addressing EU directive compliance Asset management strategies for aging water distribution networks

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering innovative engineering solutions that balance technical excellence with commercial viability Strong stakeholder management skills to effectively coordinate between utility clients, regulatory bodies, local communities, and multidisciplinary project teams Technical leadership capabilities that inspire confidence in both clients and team members while maintaining the highest standards of professional competence Adaptability to evolving digital tools and methodologies while maintaining deep expertise in fundamental water engineering principles Project management excellence with proven ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects on time and within budget while exceeding quality expectations

Market Demand

High demand driven by Ireland's significant water infrastructure investment program, climate adaptation requirements, and the specialized nature of water engineering expertise. The sector faces a skills shortage particularly for chartered engineers with utility experience.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Chartered Engineer status represents the foundation of professional credibility and client confidence, essential for senior project roles and regulatory compliance responsibilities. This certification demonstrates mastery of engineering principles and commitment to ongoing professional development that clients expect from senior consultants. PSDP compliance expertise is absolutely critical in the Irish market where health and safety regulations are strictly enforced and non-compliance can result in project delays, legal liability, and reputational damage. This knowledge differentiates qualified practitioners in a competitive market. Water and wastewater project delivery experience provides the technical foundation necessary to understand complex system interactions, regulatory requirements, and client needs that cannot be learned through academic study alone.

Beneficial Skills

Digital capabilities including AI tools, Civil 3D, and collaborative platforms represent the future of engineering delivery and significantly enhance productivity and client service quality. These skills position professionals for leadership roles in increasingly technology-driven project environments. Experience with major utility clients like Uisce Éireann provides deep understanding of procurement processes, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks that accelerate project delivery and reduce client risk. People management and mentorship capabilities are essential for career progression beyond senior technical roles, enabling transition to principal and director positions that require both technical excellence and leadership competence.

Unique Aspects

Employee ownership structure provides direct financial benefit from company performance, creating unusual alignment between individual success and organizational growth
Access to global expertise network enables knowledge sharing across international projects while maintaining strong local market presence and relationships
Framework agreements extending through 2030 provide exceptional job security and project pipeline visibility rare in consulting sector
OneWater team concept integrates resources across Ireland and UK, offering exposure to diverse regulatory environments and project types
70-year track record in Ireland demonstrates deep market understanding and established relationships that accelerate project delivery and career development

Career Growth

Progression to principal level typically achievable within 3-5 years given strong performance and continued professional development. Technical director roles generally accessible within 5-8 years for high performers who demonstrate business development capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Water Engineer with strategic planning responsibilities and major client relationship management Technical Director overseeing multiple project portfolios and business development initiatives Regional Water Practice Lead responsible for geographic expansion and market development Client Partner focusing on key account management and framework delivery for major utilities

Company Overview

Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald operates as one of the world's largest employee-owned engineering consultancies with over 20,000 staff across 50+ countries. The company maintains a particularly strong position in water sector consulting with decades of experience in major infrastructure projects globally.

Premium tier global consultancy competing directly with firms like Arup, Jacobs, and Arcadis. Known for technical excellence and long-term client relationships, particularly strong in utility sector frameworks and large-scale infrastructure delivery.
Mott MacDonald has maintained a significant Irish presence for 70 years with established relationships across major utilities and government agencies. The company's framework appointments extending to 2030 demonstrate strong market position and client confidence in Ireland.
Employee ownership model creates strong alignment between individual performance and company success, fostering collaborative culture with emphasis on professional development and long-term career building. The company emphasizes technical excellence while supporting work-life balance through flexible arrangements.
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