WSP in the UK & Ireland
Drainage & SuDS Engineering - (Expression of Interest)

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Drainage & SuDS Engineering - (Expression of Interest)
Water, Drainage & Environmental Engineer (Drainage Specialist) – Roles Across the UK
WSP is seeking Drainage Engineers at all career stages to reinforce our growing expertise in water, infrastructure, and environmental engineering. With a focus on delivering high-profile national projects—including rail, highway, aviation, and local authority schemes—our teams design drainage solutions from concept to construction.
Location: Leadership opportunities available across our UK office network.
Your Career At WSP
- Shape your career in a news-driven environment.
- Access challenges globally, across 100 countries.
- Grow alongside some of the UK’s most talented teams.
A Little More About Your Role
As a Drainage Engineer, you’ll proudly contribute to WSP’s award-winning expertise in equitable drainage design to drive meaningful change in transport and infrastructure. Your role spans everything from high-stakes rail and aviation projects to technological advancements, all while aligning with our societal and environmental priorities.
Core Responsibilities
- Design drainage solutions for major projects—highway, rail, aviation, and site development, ensuring alignment with planning permissions, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead projects from concept through detail design, ensuring technical excellence and commercial success.
- Work with teams of multidisciplinary engineers (civil, rail, environmental) and clients to deliver proposals that enhance sustainability and reduce flood risk.
- Progress professional development through accountability, mentorship, and continuing expertise.
Additional Responsibilities (For Advanced Grades)
For more senior roles (Senior Consultant to Senior Director), you’ll lead further qualities, including:
- Managing client relationships and project governance meetings.
- Mentoring and managing engineering teams, strengthening their technical ability and aligning project resources.
- Strategically developing the scope and delivery of our drainage services' future.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
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Only hits
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Key Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Credentials: Chartership or Incorporated Engineer status; or relevant degree (civil, drainage/water engineering preferred).
- Technical Proficiency: Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in designing sustainable drainage solutions.
- Software Skills: Advanced knowledge of Civil 3D and/or MicroDrainage/Causeway Flow.
- Applications Knowledge: Expertise in:
- Highway, Rail & Airport Drainage, Asset Management and Sustainable Drainage Systems.
- Foul and Surface Water Drainage standards.
- Regulations & Best Practises: Familiarity with:
- UK Building Regulations (Part H and L), Drivers Drainage Manual, Highways England Manuals (HD and MCPs), RPSA PDD Principles.
- Health & Safety legislations, managing CDM Duty Holders and Construction Risks.
Leadership & Team Experience (For Senior-Role Applications)
- Proven ability to lead complex programmes with timelines, scope, and budget restrictions.
- Experience directing teams, coaching new professionals, and harmonising workflows.
- Experience managing and proposing innovative projects that align with client goals and industry best practices.
Perks & Rewarding Culture
A Meaningful Career With Purpose
Join WSP’s world-leading engineering consultancy, a partner of Transport for London, Network Rail, HS2, National Highways—and over 300 Local Authorities. Contribute to groundbreaking projects that set new standards for future infrastructure.


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Company Culture That Nurtures Talent & Uplifts Communities
- Collaborate with driven colleagues across the UK while building firm-wide expertise.
- Career growth in a supportive environment with mentorship and 1:1 guidance.
Imagining The Future
"What if you could create the next generation of drainage solutions while shaping your own career trajectory?"
Climate change and increased demand on infrastructure require world-class thinking. Engineer a future with impact—not just for yourself, but for generations to come.
Women and BAME applications are particularly encouraged to apply, aligning with our commitment to welcoming a rich diversity of thought.
About WSP
We believe engineering drives real-world progress for both our planet and its citizens—by designing the sustainable, accessible, and innovative solutions of tomorrow.
You’ll Find:
- A global firm with UK-based roots, balancing local presence with collaborative international ideas.
- Flexible work (hybrid, homeworking 2 days/week) – supporting a balanced lifestyle.
- Diverse career paths: Formal mentoring (e.g., Chartership pathways), communities of practice, and training investments.
- Flexible benefits: Gymflex (40% off annual membership), Thrive wellbeing initiatives, 1hr/day "flex-hour", additional leave, and modern office spaces.
Why WSP?
At WSP, we celebrate every individual who brings authenticity, ensuring a culture of belonging. Together, we turn modest ideas into remarkable change.
Apply today—shape your future with hands-on leadership, global challenges and the licence to lead change.
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