Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.
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.
We are seeking an OT Maintenance Engineer to join our team, supporting the reliability and performance of critical instrumentation, control, and automation systems.
OT Maintenance Engineer
As an OT Maintenance Engineer, you will be responsible for repairing and maintaining remote instrumentation, control systems, and automation plant. You will support the safe and efficient delivery of operational services through both planned maintenance and rapid response to issues.
You'll carry out onsite diagnostics, troubleshoot complex problems, and ensure systems remain compliant, secure, and operational.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver planned and proactive maintenance on instrumentation, control, and automation systems
* Diagnose and resolve complex faults through onsite analysis
* Respond to operational issues within required timeframes
* Participate in a 24/7 standby rota for reactive maintenance support
* Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to prioritise and coordinate work
* Support root cause analysis of plant failures and drive resolution
* Work with OT and engineering teams to maintain and improve Industrial Control System (ICS) standards
* Carry out firmware/software updates, patching, and system rollouts in line with best practice
* Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations (e.g. UK NIS Directive)
What We're Looking ForEssential:
* Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) including Maths, English, and Science (or equivalent)
* Completed ICA/Electrical/Electrotechnical apprenticeship with relevant qualifications (City & Guilds, BTEC, ONC/HNC/HND)
* Hands-on experience with industrial instrumentation and automation systems
* Experience with PLC platforms (e.g. Schneider, Rockwell)
* Strong electrical fault-finding skills and knowledge of industrial installations
* Good IT skills with a technical mindset
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel within the region
* Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC)
Desirable:
* City & Guilds 2382-22 (18th Edition)
* City & Guilds 2391/2392 Inspection & Testing
* Experience within utilities, water, wastewater, or process industries
* Knowledge of SCADA, HMI, and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)
* Understanding of OT cybersecurity standards (e.g. NIS, IEC 62443)
What's in it for You?
We recognise that our people are key to our success and offer strong career development opportunities and long-term progression. As part of our team, you'll benefit from:
* Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays
* Discretionary bonus
* Competitive contributory pension
* Share-save scheme
* Health and wellbeing support programmes
* Group discounts
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Financial support services
* Ongoing training and development
* Investors in People recognised organisation
Closing Date: 18th June 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
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. xsngvjr Own the challenge.