Lead Process Engineer - Associate Director - Water Sector

Job Title: Lead Process Engineer

Division: Water

Location: London

About Us

Ayesa Engineering is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and project management firm with more than 60 years of experience shaping the future of the built environment. With more than 3,200 professionals in over 16 countries across the globe, the company offers innovative design, construction supervision, and consulting services in key sectors, including transportation, water, buildings and cities, and energy. A Top 50 Global Engineering firm, Ayesa Engineering is recognised for its technical excellence and its ability to manage complex infrastructure projects for public and private clients, combining deep sector expertise with a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge solutions.

Position:

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Lead Process Engineer – Associate Director to join our Water Infrastructure Team within the UK, taking a key technical and leadership role in the design, coordination, and delivery of process engineering solutions across water, wastewater, sludge treatment centres, biological and utilities projects. You’ll help shape strategies, mentor engineers, and drive excellence from concept through to commissioning.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead process design for treatment plants, pumping stations, and utility systems.
• Define process schemes, develop mass balance and hydraulic profiles and calculations, and specify treatment equipment.
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations and client requirements (DWI, EA, Ofwat, BSI, WIS, IGN, SuDs, etc.).
• Lead technical reviews, challenge assumptions, and ensure design integrity and performance.
• Coordinate across civil, mechanical, electrical, and control disciplines in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Develop and manage PFDs, P&IDs, design reports, and technical specifications.
• Support BIM and digital design integration within process design workflows.
• Present and facilitate HAZOP, HAZID, and SIL studies.
• Lead or support design and build (D&B) projects in collaboration with utilities and delivery partners.
• Oversee scope, schedule, and budget control to ensure efficient delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and graduates.
• Engage directly with clients to shape solutions and lead proposals or bids.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and digital best practices within the team.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver robust, efficient, and compliant process design solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage workload, priorities, and project performance.
• Ensure adherence to Ayesa’s Integrated Management System (IMS).
• Represent Ayesa professionally, building strong client relationships.

Requirements:

What You Bring

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in water, wastewater, or industrial effluent treatment design.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent.
• Degree in Chemical, Process, or Environmental Engineering (Master’s desirable).

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment process principles.
• Proven ability to develop complete process solutions from concept to detailed design.
• Experience with UK and Ireland industry standards and specifications.
• Skilled in developing PFDs, P&IDs, and conducting process calculations.
• Experience leading HAZOP/HAZID workshops and supporting commissioning activities.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and client engagement skills.
• Familiarity with BIM, digital design, and sustainable engineering practices.

Other information:

What’s In It for You

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary package to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy flexible working hours and hybrid working, allowing you to achieve a better work-life balance.
• Employer Pension Match Scheme: We offer a pension match scheme to help you secure your financial future.
• Income Protection: Receive support in safeguarding your income in the event of illness or injury.
• Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind with life assurance coverage.
• Training and Development Programme: Access a range of training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Family & Well-Being Support: Benefit from our Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits and our confidential support services to address personal or professional challenges, included in our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Sports and Social: Engage in our vibrant sports and social activities to foster a sense of community and well-being among our team members.
• Increased Annual Leave: 25 days’ annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, enjoy increased annual leave entitlements based on years of service.
• Recognition Awards: Receive recognition for your contributions through our awards program, celebrating achievements and excellence.

We’re Inclusive by Design

Ayesa engineering is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.