Job Specification: Controls Engineer Water Industry (Nottingham)
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Nottingham (with regional travel to water and wastewater sites)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Department: Automation & Controls / Engineering
Overview
A Nottingham-based water utility company is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to support the design, development, and maintenance of control and automation systems across water and wastewater treatment assets. The role involves working on PLC/SCADA systems, telemetry, instrumentation, and process control equipment critical to maintaining safe and efficient network operations.
Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation & Control Systems**
Design, develop, and modify PLC, HMI, and SCADA software for water and wastewater sites.
Produce technical documentation including FDS, control philosophies, I/O schedules, and CAD markups.
Support system integration for treatment works, pumping stations, chemical dosing, and network assets.
Site Support & Commissioning
Carry out commissioning, testing, and optimisation of new and existing control systems.
Provide fault-finding and technical support to operations teams on site.
Conduct site surveys, assist with installations, and ensure all works comply with industry standards.
Maintenance & Compliance
Troubleshoot PLC/SCADA issues and implement corrective actions to minimise downtime.
Maintain accurate configuration records, backups, and version control.
Ensure systems adhere to relevant regulations, including water industry standards and internal procedures.
Collaboration
Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and process teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
Liaise with external contractors, system integrators, and technology providers.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, digitalisation programmes, and asset upgrades.
Required Skills & Experience
Strong experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi).
Experience with SCADA/HMI development and telemetry systems used in utility environments.
Understanding of instrumentation, process control, and industrial networks (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.).
Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and engineering drawings.
Background in the water industry or other process-driven sectors is highly desirable.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on operational sites.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the regional network.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree, HNC, or HND in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Control Systems, or similar.
Experience working within regulated industries (water, utilities, chemical, energy).
Knowledge of functional safety, cybersecurity for OT systems, or telemetry protocols.
Water hygiene, confined space, or other relevant site certifications (advantageous but not essential).
Whats on Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Training and professional development, including PLC/SCADA platforms and water industry certification.
Opportunity to work on critical infrastructure and modernisation projects.
Supportive engineering environment with progression opportunities.