Principal Dams Engineer

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

HR Wallingford is not just a workplace; it's a community of exceptional minds pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. As a not-for-profit company, our focus is on research, innovation, and developing our people, tools, and technology. Here, you'll have the freedom to make long-term decisions that sustain our colleagues, business, and environment.

We are recruiting for a Principal Dams Engineer within our thriving Water and Climate Division, where you will help shape the leadership of our ambitious Dams Sector team. Drawing upon your wealth of experience in the UK reservoir industry, you'll play a pivotal role in the intricate landscape of dam and reservoir engineering.

As a key contributor to our team, your expertise extends across several of the various domains relevant to this team, including hydrology, geotechnics, flood control, hydropower, water supply, risk assessment, and asset management. Collaborate with a diverse team of civil engineers, numerical modellers, and software developers, all committed to crafting innovative solutions for the most complex challenges in the field.

Beyond your core responsibilities, this role offers a unique opportunity to actively engage in, and even lead, ground-breaking research, and development projects. This not only adds depth to your professional journey but also fuels the growth of our business and the dam safety industry.

Key qualifications and skills

A degree in civil engineering, hydrology, or geotechnical engineering;

Current appointment to the Supervising Engineers Panel;

Experience of working in the UK reservoir industry;

Chartered Status (CEng);

At least 10 years of professional experience related to dams and reservoirs;

Knowledge of the UK Reservoirs Act 1975 and key industry guidance documents;

Proven project management skills for studies, design or construction projects;

An inquisitive nature and interest in leading research and development projects related to dam safety;

Successful bid writing and business development experience;

Experience of managing teams;

Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams;

Excellent inter-personal and client liaison skills;

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Further information

Download a full job description and person specification .

Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers .

A salary from £51,000 - £70,000 dependant on experience

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer both hybrid working and flexi-time. We are also open to exploring other flexible working arrangements, including part-time.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2026.

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.

Additional information

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HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.