Principal Scientist Engineer Innovation (Wastewater Networks)

Thames Water Utilities Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Job title: Principal Scientist Engineer Innovation (Wastewater Networks)
Ref: 40471
Division: Asset Operations & Capital Delivery
Location: Hybrid - Reading (STW) - RG2 0RP
Contract type: Permanent
Full/Part-time: Full-time or part-time
Salary: Offering between £52,000 to £60,000 per annum depending on experience
Job grade: C
Closing date: 11/04/2025

At Thames Water, we do more than keep the taps running—we’re reimagining water for a resilient future. Serving over 16 million customers and managing billions of litres daily, we’re committed to solving today’s challenges and innovating for tomorrow. Right now, we’re looking for a passionate Principal Scientist/Engineer to drive innovation in our Wastewater Networks.

What you’ll be doing as a Principal Scientist Engineer Innovation (Wastewater Networks)

In this dynamic role, you'll lead groundbreaking research and innovation projects that transform how we manage wastewater networks. From tackling flooding and asset deterioration to pioneering new technologies, your expertise will shape strategies that enhance performance, improve efficiency, and ensure environmental compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading an exciting portfolio of wastewater networks innovation and research projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals.
• Providing expert guidance and technical leadership to your team and across the wider business.
• Engaging with industry stakeholders, regulators, and research institutions to foster collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Driving the effective delivery of projects, from research and testing through to practical implementation.
• Representing Thames Water as a recognised expert at national and international conferences, showcasing our commitment to innovation.
• Producing impactful technical reports and publications that elevate our technical reputation across the industry.

Base location: Hybrid – Reading (STW) – Approx 1 day on site per week (Negotiable)

Working pattern: Full-time, Monday–Friday (36 hours per week)

What you should bring to the role:

• Proven technical leadership experience within the water or wastewater industry.
• Strong project and programme management capabilities, with experience managing significant budgets and multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, enabling effective engagement across various stakeholders.
• Passion for innovation and a drive to deliver practical solutions that positively impact our environment, customers, and community.
• A STEM degree or equivalent, ideally supported by further academic achievements such as a PhD/EngD.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll play a pivotal role in an innovative team dedicated to making lasting improvements to essential wastewater infrastructure. Alongside career growth and professional recognition, we offer:

• Competitive salary from £52,000 to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Annual Bonus.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference in millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.