Overview

At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world\'s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing. We turn abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Senior Drainage Engineer - Aviation role in Jacobs Manchester, United Kingdom.

Your impact

As a Senior Drainage Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering sustainable, high-quality drainage solutions across highways, urban environments and aviation infrastructure. With a strong technical foundation and experience in hydraulic modelling and drainage design software, you will support discipline leads and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the UK and Global Delivery Centres.

You will contribute to the design and development of major infrastructure projects, including workstreams for clients such as Manchester Airport Group, Heathrow and KSIA. Your understanding of drainage standards and approval processes—particularly within the aviation sector—will help ensure technical excellence and regulatory compliance.

In this role you will

• Deliver drainage designs across all project stages, from feasibility studies to detailed design and contract documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues across offices and disciplines to ensure integrated and efficient project delivery.
• Support client engagement and represent Jacobs in meetings and site inspections.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of innovation, quality and continuous improvement.
• Work flexibly from London or Manchester, with regular presence in the office or on client sites.

Jacobs’ Transportation team is recognised for delivering high-profile projects for clients including Manchester Airport Group, Heathrow Airport, National Highways, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Welsh Government, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, HS2 Ltd, and numerous Local Authorities. You’ll be part of a team known for excellence in design, sustainability, safety and collaboration—contributing to award-winning work on projects like HS2.

Thriving communities. Healthy cities. A brighter future.

If you’re ready to take the next step and make a meaningful impact, Jacobs is ready to invest in you.

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards chartership
• Experience in drainage design for highways and urban environments
• Experience with hydraulic modelling and drainage design software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with client-facing experience
• Thorough understanding of DMRB, local authority standards, Sewerage Sector Guidance, and the SuDS Manual
• Experience working with local councils, LLFAs, and water authorities
• Proficiency in drainage modelling software and tools
• Working knowledge of health and safety legislation

We value inclusion and belonging in everything we do. Jacobs partners with organisations to attract a diverse range of talent. We support flexible working where possible and provide a hybrid working policy to balance office and remote work. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Careers Support.

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Civil Engineering, Design Services and IT Services and IT Consulting