PLC Engineer

South East Water; Detling; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Cycle to work

Health plan

Life assurance

Volunteer days

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a hands-on professional to translate PLC/OT concepts into practical improvements at our Detling, Kent sites. You will program, operate, maintain and upgrade PLCs and HMIs, contributing to reliable production operations across facilities.

The role involves working with Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley, Telemecanique or Siemens technologies, ladder logic, HMI configuration, and fieldbus networks. Occasional travel to Sussex may be required, with a standby rota for incidents.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of PLC hardware and programming.
• Experience with Ladder Logic and HMI configuration.
• Experience with fieldbus networks and PLC/HMI software.
• Familiarity with Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley, Telemecanique or Siemens PLCs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Programming, operating, maintaining and upgrading PLCs/HMI to ensure reliable production operations.
• Supervise contractors and external service providers; manage maintenance administration.
• Work safely and in line with policies; maintain site security and records.
• Back up PLC/HMI software and fault-find on PLCs, HMI and networks.
• Modify PLC programs and HMI configurations to improve site performance.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder Logic

HMI configuration

Fieldbus networks

PLCs brands familiarity

Job description

Summary

Ready to transition into Operational Technology? At South East Water, we know that great talent comes from a variety of technical backgrounds. While prior PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) experience is a bonus for this role, it is not essential.

We are very keen to hear from candidates with a strong foundation in Industrial Electrical or ICA (Instrumentation, Control, and Automation) who are passionate about learning and eager to progress their career into Operational Technology (OT) expertise. If you have the core skills and the drive to upskill, we want to hear from you.

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving and modernising, we are upgrading our systems and infrastructure across our operational sites. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in system integration, PLC hardware, programming, and installation, as well as working with cutting‑edge technology to make a real impact on our operations.

You’ll be responsible for programming, operating, maintaining, and upgrading PLCs, HMIs, and communication network infrastructure. You’ll need knowledge of PLC hardware and programming, and experience in Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley, Telemecanique, or Siemens technologies would be useful. Your expertise in Ladder Logic programming, Function Block programming, HMI configuration, and fieldbus networks will be essential in providing technical assistance and solutions across our sites.

This is your chance to join a dynamic team driving change and optimising our production sites and supply networks. Based at our Hockers Lane hub in Detling, Kent with the need for occasional cover in Sussex, this role offers the opportunity to deliver a real hands‑on impact.

Flexibility, self‑motivation, and adaptability are crucial in responding to changing priorities and challenging environments. You will generally work 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday, between 7:30am and 3:30pm. As we provide an essential service, you may also be required to be part of a standby rota to respond to incidents outside of normal working hours and on weekends.

You will be provided with a company van and all the necessary tools and equipment. Our team is welcoming and encourages the sharing of ideas. This is a great opportunity to make a significant impact on our production sites and supply network.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

What will you be responsible for?

Responsible for programming, operating, maintaining and upgrading PLCs/HMI’s to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of our production works and associated sites.

Other responsibilities :

• Supervise work of Contractors and external service providers.
• Accurate and timely completion of all necessary administration associated with reactive and planned maintenance work including updates onto our business and work management systems.
• Work in line with company policies, procedures and safe systems of work.
• Routine administration (e.g. timesheets, health and safety forms, vehicle record sheets etc)
• Monitor and maintain security of production site
• Backup all PLC & HMI Software, fieldbus networks
• Fault Finding on PLC's & HMI's, on Profibus and Ethernet communication Networks
• Make modifications to PLC programs & HMI configuration to correct issues or improve and optimise site performance
• Writing PLC Programs for site upgrades

What do you bring to the role?

• Self-motivated, committed and highly organised.
• Good communication skills and computer literate.
• Fault finding and problem solving skills
• Knowledge and understanding of Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley, Telemecanique or Siemens PLCs be an advantage.
• Experience shall include technical understanding of Ladder Logic programming, Function Block programming, HMI configuration, field bus networks.
• Full driver's license
• Some knowledge of water treatment and process would be an advantage but not essential.

Benefits package

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

Compensation package

Up to £61,121 dependant on experience

It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.

Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.