Principal Scientist Engineer Innovation (Wastewater Networks)

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)
• Car Allowance.
• 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.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people who are committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

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.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

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. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

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.