Project Engineer

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

Providing clean, clear, and safe drinking water is at the heart of what we do at Bournemouth Water. Every day, we treat and supply 150 megalitres of water, rigorously tested at every stage to ensure it meets the highest standards.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Project Engineer to join our team, based in Bournemouth. This is a full-time, permanent position, offering a competitive salary of £45,000–£65,000 per annum, along with a comprehensive package of excellent benefits and rewards.

About The Role

As a Project Engineer, you will draw on your expertise in project management, combined with a proactive, self-sufficient, and highly organised approach, to lead and deliver a range of key operational projects. These will span both short- and long-term initiatives across multiple sites, ensuring delivery is aligned with company processes and systems.

You will collaborate closely with existing operational teams and will be expected to work flexibly across the South West and Bournemouth regions, depending on project requirements. This may involve regular travel and occasional periods away from home. Participation in a standby rota will also be required as part of the role.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide flexible support to regional water resources and production operations based on operational priorities.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver programmes of work, including preparing and reviewing risk assessments, method statements, and task instructions.
• Offer coaching and mentoring to team members and apprentices, while delivering hands-on support to maintenance teams, particularly in PLCs, control systems, and telemetry networks.
• Maintain knowledge of a wide range of assets and ensure all activities comply with procedures, policies, and statutory requirements, while upholding high site cleanliness standards.
• Participate in standby rotas, working groups, and improvement initiatives, including change programmes.
• Conduct rapid site reviews where required, identifying and implementing critical maintenance actions to mitigate operational risks.

Qualifications

What we are looking for

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades A–C, including Maths and English
• Completion of an apprenticeship supported by relevant formal qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds, BTEC, ONC/HNC/HND)
• Knowledge of current equipment regulations (e.g. IEE)
• Management qualification (or working towards) – desirable
• Competency in breathing apparatus, confined space working, and gas handling

Experience & Skills

• Hands-on operation and maintenance of water treatment processes and plant
• Strong knowledge of ICA systems, including PLC programming, high voltage, and telemetry networks
• Advanced mechanical, electrical, and ICA maintenance expertise
• Understanding of a wide range of assets, equipment, and treatment processes
• Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues
• Experience in process optimisation (chemicals and energy)
• Proficient in using company systems for office, mobile, and site-based work
• Experience preparing and managing technical documentation (risk assessments, procedures, manuals)
• Work planning and delivery, including developing and executing programmes of work
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (water quality, waste, and health & safety legislation)
• Ability to work independently, using initiative with minimal supervision
• Strong adaptability to changing priorities and ability to manage pressure effectively
• Effective communication and collaboration with field teams, managers, and supply chain partners
• Flexibility to travel to different locations as required

What's In It For You

We know our people drive our success — so we’re committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave + bank holidays
• Bonus Plan
• Competitive contributory pension
• Share-save scheme
• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
• Group discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Financial support services
• Development and training opportunities … and much more!

Closing Date: 24th June 2026

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

Since 1863, we have been the trusted provider of safe and reliable drinking water for Bournemouth and surrounding communities.

We are driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and exceptional customer service.