Project Design Engineer in Peterborough

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients' businesses, our communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person's differences and striving to meet their needs. We believe that because we care about what we do, we do things better. We know that our people are our most valuable asset, so we are dedicated to investing in them through our comprehensive training and development schemes, exposure to the wider design and build business and endless opportunities. We are committed to creating a workplace where our people are safe, have a voice, can reach their full potential, and everyone shares in the rewards.

You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that benefit our communities – from helping to secure water supplies for future generations to protecting homes and businesses from flood risk – our projects make a real difference.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A Mott MacDonald Bentley we welcome applications from all sectors of the community. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace where everyone feels included, has the opportunity to thrive, and is treated with respect. Even if you don’t meet every requirement for this role but are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible. This includes making adjustments during the job application process and throughout your future career with us.

Your Purpose

As a Project Design Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the design and technical direction of projects that deliver sustainable, resilient water and water recycling solutions. Leading a multidisciplinary design team, you'll develop innovative, value-driven designs that protect and enhance our environment while ensuring safe, affordable, and future-ready infrastructure for the East of England. You’ll take ownership of the design journey – from concept through delivery – guiding your team to produce right-first-time engineering outputs that champion low-carbon, digital innovation, and environmental stewardship.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the design and technical delivery of clean water and water recycling projects, across both infrastructure (pipelines, pumping stations) and non-infrastructure (treatment and storage) schemes.
• Develop Engineering Project Plans encompassing design scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource planning.
• Collaborate with engineering discipline leads to define design approaches, set technical standards, and ensure design integration across civil, mechanical, electrical, and process disciplines.
• Drive innovation and digital design, supporting the move towards fully attributed 3D and BIM-enabled models.
• Champion sustainable design by embedding low-carbon thinking, nature-based solutions, and whole-life value considerations.
• Engage with suppliers, partners, and stakeholders to review and integrate third-party design inputs effectively.
• Ensure all design work meets CDM and health & safety requirements, producing high-quality outputs that meet end-user and operational needs.
• Provide clear leadership to your project design team – mentoring, developing, and inspiring individuals to achieve their potential.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, environmental and planning specialists, procurement, and construction teams to deliver projects efficiently and affordably.

About You

You will ideally have:

• A degree in engineering or equivalent qualification, preferably chartered or working towards chartered status.
• Strong design management experience, ideally within the water or environmental infrastructure sectors.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-quality, sustainable design outcomes.
• Technical understanding of clean water or water recycling systems, pipelines, or treatment processes.
• Experience of working within a design and build or collaborative project delivery environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to translate complex technical information clearly.
• A commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, with a passion for digital design and innovation.

At @one Alliance, you'll be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team that is shaping the future of the UK’s water infrastructure. We offer a collaborative and innovative working environment, where your expertise will be valued and your ideas will drive meaningful change.

What we can offer:

• Competitive salary based on your experience.
• Pension matched by employer up to 7%.
• Option to purchase, sell and carry over annual leave.
• Life assurance / Private Medical Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance and Health Screening options.
• 26 weeks maternity leave, enhanced paternity and adoption leave/ Shared parental leave.
• Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs.
• Gym Membership discounts.
• Cycle to work scheme, interest free season ticket loans and discounted dining cards also available.