Design Engineer

Location: Bristol / South West
Rate: £350–£400 per shift (CIS)
Contract: Ongoing freelance with option to go permanent after 3–6 months

The Opportunity

A leading regional civil engineering contractor is expanding its in-house clean water design capability and is seeking a Design Engineer to support a long-term programme on the Bristol Water Framework.

This is a strategic, long-term appointment as the business transitions from outsourcing the majority of design to building a strong internal technical function. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping internal design capability and will be part of a significant growth phase within the organisation.

The position will start as a freelance CIS contract, with a clear pathway to a permanent role after 3–6 months, (not essential – freelance is fine long term)

Key Responsibilities

* Produce and review designs for clean water infrastructure projects, including:

* Water mains and pipeline networks

* Pumping stations and booster stations

* Service reservoirs and storage tanks

* Treatment works upgrades and process infrastructure

* Prepare engineering drawings, specifications, calculations and technical reports

* Ensure designs comply with UK water industry standards, DWI requirements, and CDM regulations

* Support construction teams with technical queries, buildability reviews, and design changes during delivery

* Liaise with project managers, site engineers, and stakeholders to ensure designs are practical and deliverable

* Contribute to internal technical standards, templates, and design processes as the in-house function develops

About You

* Civil Engineering background with experience in clean water, utilities, or wider infrastructure design

* Proficient in producing engineering drawings and calculations (AutoCAD / Civil 3D / MicroStation or similar)

* Knowledge of water industry standards, hydraulic principles, and pipeline design

* Comfortable working in a contractor-led environment and supporting live construction projects

* Proactive, collaborative, and keen to be part of a growing technical function rather than a siloed consultancy role

Why This Role?

* Excellent freelance rate: £350–£400 per shift (CIS)

* Ongoing, long-term workload on a major water framework

* Clear route to permanent employment after 3 - 6 months

* Opportunity to help build and shape an internal design capability from the ground up

* Join a forward-thinking regional contractor with ambitious growth plans in the water sector

* Strategic role with visibility across engineering, delivery, and leadership teams

If you’re a Design Engineer with clean water or utilities experience and are looking for a long-term opportunity with strong earning potential and a pathway into a strategic permanent role if preferred, please apply with your CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.

If you would like more information, or to apply for this vacancy, please contact Ben Knight on (phone number removed). The reference for this vacancy is (phone number removed).

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Abatec Ltd. is working as an employment business on behalf of a client
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed