Drainage Engineer

Job Description

Location: Hybrid working model (Belfast, Derry, or remote NI/ROI) Reference ID: DrainageEng/25

McCloy Consulting is an engineering and scientific practice specialising in water and environmental engineering, with a head office in Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, and branches in Dublin, L'Derry, and Tayside.

The Role

We are inviting speculative applications for Drainage Engineers at all levels - from experienced graduates to senior professionals - to join our expanding engineering team.

The position can be based in Belfast, Derry, or remotely anywhere in Northern Ireland or Ireland, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.

You will be part of a dynamic team delivering innovative, nature-based and sustainable drainage solutions across the UK and Ireland. Our portfolio includes pilot SuDS retrofit projects recognised for their exceptional quality, nature-based flood interventions such as the Inishowen NFM scheme and projects for the Trent Rivers Trust, and the development of plan-making Stormwater Management Strategies that guide future growth and climate resilience at county and city levels in Ireland.

McCloy Consulting is recognised as a sector leader in SuDS, NFM, and nature-based solutions, and we welcome applications from civil or drainage engineers with surface water drainage experience who wish to broaden their expertise. Comprehensive training and professional development support will be provided.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributing to the planning and design of SuDS, drainage, and wastewater infrastructure for development and infrastructure projects.
• Preparing Drainage Assessment and Drainage Strategy reports to support planning and regulatory submissions.
• Designing surface water and foul drainage systems, including nature-based and hybrid solutions.
• Supporting the delivery of innovative SuDS retrofit and nature-based design projects, ensuring best-practice implementation.
• Preparing technical drawings, calculations, and schedules using appropriate design software.
• Liaising with clients, water companies, local authorities, and regulators to obtain technical approvals.
• Supporting preparation of tenders, cost estimates, and technical proposals.
• For senior candidates: leading project delivery, managing client relationships, supporting commercial management, mentoring staff, and contributing to business development.

The Candidate

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in surface water drainage design.
• Understanding of drainage approval processes and relevant design standards (Sewers for Adoption, CIRIA SuDS Manual, Building Regulations).
• Proficiency in MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage, or Causeway Flow.
• Experience with Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite, Civil 3D, or Site 3D.
• Ability to prepare professional technical reports and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in SuDS, NBS, or nature-based drainage design.
• Experience preparing Drainage Assessments or Drainage Strategies for planning.
• Chartered or working towards professional accreditation (ICE, Engineers Ireland, CIWEM).
• Experience in project or team leadership (for senior candidates).

How to Apply

Applicants should provide a CV and covering letter outlining how they meet the essential and desirable criteria, and confirming salary expectations.

Applications can be submitted by email to .

Recruitment shortlisting will be continuous and successfully shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Reference ID: DrainageEng/25

Hours: Full-time (39hr p/wk)

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: Dependent on experience

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Company pension scheme
• Paid professional membership
• Health cash plan and private medical insurance (length-of-service benefits)
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive working environment

Schedule: Monday to Friday / flexible by agreement

Work remotely: Hybrid working model (Belfast, Derry, or remote NI/ROI)