WSP in the UK & Ireland
Principal EICA Design Engineer (Water Sector)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Principal EICA Design Engineer (Water Sector)
Senior/Principal Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (EICA) Engineer
Regulated Water Asset Design Team | WSP | Leadership and future impact opportunities
About the Role
At WSP, build a career as dynamic and impactful as every person we employ. Benefit from our global network of challenges, collaboration with diverse talent, and the opportunity to grow while shaping critical water infrastructure projects.
Our regulated water asset design team specialises in the UK and international markets, serving municipal water sectors directly through long-term framework agreements with key clients like Severn Trent Water and Southwest Water. We also collaborate extensively with blue-chip contractors such as Costain and Galliford Try, driving end-to-end delivery across water treatment, wastewater projects, sewerage, and network schemes.
Drive our expansion by joining us to support AMP8 capital investment programmes, bringing your expertise in EICA engineering.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Water Engineering team, you’ll contribute autonomously or collaboratively to intricate design deliverables, delivering sustainable engineering solutions for large-scale infrastructure:
-
EICA design & deliverables:
- Contribute EICA-focused input for infrastructure projects (wastewater/water treatment/sewage networks).
- Prepare or review technical specifications, calculations, reports, datasheets, schedules, control strategies, user requirement documents, and network architecture drawings across project phases from bids to handover.
-
Tender & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Support project scouting and proposal development, identifying tasks, packages, and resourcing schedules.
- Review and execute tender evaluations, ensuring cost-efficient and compliant proposals.
-
Technical Expertise:
- Understand equipment classifications per DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) and associated technical compliance.
- Engage in commissioning, factory acceptance tests, and ICS/IS retirement activities for panel, PLC/HMI software, and SCADA systems.
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.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Collaboration & Mentorship:
- Coach junior ICA design staff, fostering team success and knowledge transfer.
Requirements
To thrive in this position, you’ll bring:
Education & Experience
- Degree in electrical or control engineering (preferably IET accreditation) or a minimum HND with substantial industry experience.
- Registration with the UK Engineering Council as a Chartered (CEng) or Incorporated (IEng) Engineer.
Technical Skills
- Industry specialization: Extensive practical experience in EICA design for water infrastructure projects, from pre-contract stages to post-commissioning support.
- Regulatory knowledge: Proficiency in DSEAR, explosive atmosphere equipment standards, and CDM regulations.
- Technical deliverables: Proven ability to draft or assess control philosophies, calculations, reports, schedules, or datasheets.
Soft Skills
- Client interaction: Proactive, problem-solving, and capable of delivering constructive feedback.
- Teamwork: Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams.
- Worksite engagement: Prepared to travel to construction, commissioning, or design sites for surveys and live testing, adhering to electrical safe systems of work.
About Us
WSP is a global leader in engineering, consulting, and professional services, leveraging insights and innovation to create sustainable, positive impacts on our society. With over 11,000 employees across 140+ countries, we unite diverse backgrounds through integrity, inclusion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
WSP isn’t just another employer—we’re an opportunity to build a meaningful legacy. Work across the globe, collaborate with future leaders, and gain momentum for your career while enhancing communities.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits & Culture
WSP’s culture prioritises whole-being fulfilment, blending professional growth with personal wellbeing.
Work-Life Balance
- Hybrid policies: Two days working from home/office, with the flexibility to reschedule.
- WSP My Hour: A daily personal-use hour, adaptable to your schedule.
- Leaves & Customization: Part-time options, ability to purchase additional leave or flex bank holidays.
Inclusion & Belonging
- Celebrate your authentic self. Employee resource groups foster sharing and solidarity across all backgrounds.
- Disability Friendly: We support workplace adjustments for all applicants meeting the criteria.
Health & Wellbeing Support
- Virtual GP Service: Access on-demand UK/Ireland health consultations.
- Menopause Support: A tailored programme for those navigating this phase.
- Thrive: Personal development resources dedicated to mental and physical health.
Professional Development
- Training & Mentoring: Cultivate expertise through structured programmes, mentorship, and career progression paths.
- Chartership: Invest in professional registration support.
Apply & Join
This role isn’t just a job—it’s an invitation to define your future while contributing to the world. Apply now, and take the next step at WSP where career satisfaction aligns with societal impact.
WSP welcomes applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident leader, we’re committed to fair interviewing and will accommodate workplace adjustments upon request.
Start writing your next chapter at WSP Careers Portal.
(Image license information: to view Tata Consultancy Services’ sunglass icon ©2023 TCS R&D Solutions Ltd.)
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills