Instrument Maintenance Technician

South West Water Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Training and development

Pennon Perks discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Discretionary bonus

Cycle to work

Job summary

South West Water Limited in Exeter is seeking an OT Maintenance Technician to service and calibrate instrumentation, telemetry and regulatory monitoring equipment across multiple sites. You will diagnose faults, calibrate sensors and support system improvements while collaborating with OT, ICA, electrical and mechanical teams.

The role offers development opportunities, a competitive salary, and benefits within a supportive operational team, with a focus on safety and governance compliance.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths, English and Science.
• Apprenticeship or technical qualification in engineering or similar.
• ONC/HNC (or equivalent) in a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with process control systems, PLCs and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance on instrumentation, telemetry and regulatory monitoring equipment.
• Diagnosing faults and implementing effective solutions to minimise operational disruption.
• Calibrating process sensors and analytical instrumentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Supporting improvements to systems, processes and asset performance.
• Working with OT, ICA, electrical and mechanical teams.
• Contributing to root‑cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Ensuring compliance with technical standards, governance and cyber security obligations.
• Maintaining records and supporting IT/OT documentation and governance.

Education

GCSEs including Maths, English and Science

ONC/HNC in related engineering discipline

Industrial control apprenticeship or technical qualifications

Experience with process control systems

PLCs and instrumentation knowledge

Tools

Schneider PLC programming

Job description

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Exeter | £37,441 - £41,601 + Excellent Benefits

As an OT Maintenance Technician, you'll play a vital role in maintaining and calibrating the instrumentation and monitoring systems that support our water and wastewater operations.

Working across a range of sites, you'll be responsible for planned maintenance, fault finding and reactive repairs, ensuring critical operational technology systems continue to perform effectively and reliably. You'll work with a variety of technologies including telemetry, process control systems, PLCs, instrumentation and regulatory monitoring equipment.

This role offers excellent opportunities to further develop your technical expertise, gain additional qualifications and build a long-term career within a supportive and highly skilled operational team.

What you’ll be doing:

• Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance on instrumentation, telemetry and regulatory monitoring equipment.

• Diagnosing faults and implementing effective solutions to minimise operational disruption.

• Calibrating process sensors and analytical instrumentation to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Supporting improvements to systems, processes and asset performance.

• Working collaboratively with OT, ICA, electrical and mechanical teams.

• Contributing to root‑cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.

• Supporting compliance with technical standards, governance requirements and cyber security obligations.

• Promoting safe working practices and contributing to risk assessments and safe systems of work.

• Maintaining accurate records and supporting IT/OT documentation and governance activities.

What we’re looking for:

You’ll be a proactive and adaptable technical professional with strong fault‑finding skills and a passion for operational technology.

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science.

• Relevant industrial control apprenticeship or technical qualifications.

• ONC/HNC (or equivalent) in a related engineering discipline.

• Experience working with process control systems, ELV/LV electrical systems and PLCs.

• Strong troubleshooting, repair and diagnostic skills.

• Knowledge of instrumentation calibration, telemetry systems and process sensors.

• Full UK driving licence.

• Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable Experience

• Schneider PLC programming experience.

• Knowledge of communication protocols and low‑power radio systems.

• ATEX/CompEx certification.

• Experience within water or wastewater treatment environments.

• Understanding of information security and operational technology governance.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a diverse range of technologies in an organisation investing heavily in its operational infrastructure and people.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary of £37,441 - £41,601.

• Generous holiday allowance with the ability to buy and sell annual leave for added flexibility.

• Competitive company pension scheme.

• Training and development within the role.

• Access to thousands of discounts and vouchers through Pennon Perks.

• 24/7 support with our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Discretionary bonus.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• And more!

Closing Date: 9th November 2026

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.