Operational Technology Engineer

South West Water; Exeter; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

South West Water is seeking an Operational Technology Engineer in Exeter to maintain and enhance their remote plant systems, ensuring efficient delivery of services. This role offers a competitive salary and an array of benefits while driving innovation within a support-oriented workplace.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

Discretionary bonus

Competitive contributory pension

Share-save scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Financial support services

Ongoing development and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive operational/industrial technology experience in a medium/large organization.
• Compliance with current IEE regulations.
• Ability to complete UK Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain critical remote plant and process control systems.
• Coordinate with operational and IT functions to ensure reliability of solutions.
• Manage OT services using system administration tools.

Skills

Industrial technology experience

Process control

PLC management and programming

Technical skills in IT

Collaboration with teams

Education

Relevant industrial control apprenticeship or qualifications

Job description

Exeter, England /Technology /Permanent full-time

AtSouth West Waterwe believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your previous skills and experience, in a trusted and collaborative workplace? Have you got what it takes to contribute to the operation and maintenance of our service, as part of one of the largest businesses in the South West?

We currently have an opportunity an OT Engineer to join our team based in either Exeter. Joining us on a permanent full-time basis, you will receive a competitive salary of £41,500 - £52,000per annum plus excellent benefits.

About the role

As our Operational Technology (OT) Engineer you will be installing, repairing, and maintaining critical remote plant and process control systems, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of operational services

Responsible for the timely delivery of capital investment, engaging Operational staff, regional managers and third-part contractors, on budget to a high standard while adhering to technical standards, governance, polices and procedures.

The scope of the technology base is wide, including sensors, instrumentation, plant networks, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), process control and telemetry.

What you’ll be doing:

• Delivering projects on budget within agreed timescales to the agreed scope using established project and change governance. Programming PLCs, telemetry and SCADA systems to efficiently control and monitor manned and unmanned plant.
• Coordinating and collaborating with operation functions and Group IT functions to ensure availability, serviceability, reliability and scalability of solutions
• Providing timely response to operational issues, performing onsite analysis, diagnoses and resolution of complex problems
• Managing OT services using system administration tools and access
• Ensuring adherence to department information security policies
• Engaging with OT Delivery Manager and OT Maintenance Managers, instrumentation, and OT standards engineers to provide levels of technical detail that help to drive Industrial Control System (ICS) technical standards necessary to ensure we comply with relevant legislation e.g., UK NIS (Network and Information Systems) directive, exploit technology and standardise implementations.
• Participating in a standby rota to ensure availability of OT Services 24 x 7 x 365

What we are looking for:

• Relevant industrial control apprenticeship, qualifications, or training
• Compliant with current IEE regulations
• Extensive and broad-based operational/industrial technology experience, in a medium/large organisation
• Experience of process control and ELV/LV electrical systems
• Working with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) including management and programming, with an understanding of communication protocols particularly on Schneider platforms
• Demonstrate working with colleagues, contractors and partners to deliver site based
• Familiar with scoping and quoting projects and work packages
• Excellent IT skills and a technical bias
• Full UK drivers licence and an ability to travel around the work area using company vehicle
• Ability to complete UK Government Security Clearance (SC) process successfully

What's in it for you:

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services
• And plenty more!

Closing Date: 9th July 2025

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.

We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you have any questions about the opportunities that we have available, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don't hesitate to send your details to our Talent Acquisition Team.