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.

OT SCADA Engineer

We are seeking an experienced OT SCADA Engineer to support the safe, secure and efficient operation of critical operational assets. This is a highly technical, hands‑on role focused on the design, configuration, delivery and ongoing support of SCADA, PLC, telemetry and wider Operational Technology (OT) systems that underpin essential operational services.

Working across the full SCADA lifecycle, you will play a key role in system design, commissioning, fault diagnosis, optimisation and continuous improvement. You will ensure OT systems are robust, resilient and consistently available, complying with regulatory, health & safety and cyber‑security requirements, while aligning with established OT standards and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, commission and support SCADA systems, including alarms, data handling, trending, archiving and visualisation across both new and legacy platforms.

• Integrate PLCs, RTUs and field instrumentation with SCADA systems using standard industrial protocols (e.g. Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP).

• Configure, commission and support telemetry and point‑to‑point communications, including radio, cellular and satellite solutions for remote and unmanned sites.

• Deliver high‑quality HMI configuration and commissioning, ensuring consistency with standards and effective operator interaction.

• Design, configure and support OT network infrastructure (Ethernet, serial, fieldbus), undertaking fault diagnostics using industry‑recognised tools.

• Support SCADA platform and server infrastructure across Windows and Linux environments, including system build, configuration, hardening and lifecycle support.

• Deliver OT projects in line with scope, timescales, budgets and change governance.

• Provide reactive operational support, including fault diagnosis, root cause analysis and follow‑up actions, and take part in a 24 x 7 x 365 standby rota (role‑dependent).

• Apply OT technical standards, cyber‑security controls and health & safety requirements consistently, contributing to continuous improvement and best practice.

• Design, develop and commission PLC software for new assets, and provide expert fault‑finding support to frontline operational teams (role‑dependent).

Essential Experience

• Experience working in operational or industrial technology environments within a medium to large organisation.

• Demonstrable experience across multiple OT disciplines, including:

  • SCADA system configuration and support

  • PLC diagnostics and code modification

  • Telemetry and RTU configuration

  • Industrial communications and OT networking

• Experience providing reactive support in live operational environments, including participation in standby or on‑call arrangements.

• Experience contributing to OT project delivery, including documentation, testing, commissioning and handover.

• Experience applying technical standards, change governance and cyber‑security principles in regulated or critical operational environments.

• Practical understanding of clean water and wastewater treatment processes sufficient to support monitoring, control and fault resolution.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and a Science subject.

• Full UK driving licence.

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

Desirable Qualifications

• Industrial control or automation apprenticeship, or equivalent industry experience.

• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2).

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

• Vendor‑specific or specialist training in SCADA, PLCs, telemetry, networking or cyber security.

• Relevant industrial control, automation or engineering qualification (ONC/HNC or equivalent).

• Relevant SCADA, PLC or industrial automation training.

Ready to make a difference? Join us as our OT SCADA Engineer and help create a workplace where people thrive.

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our OT SCADA Engineer, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills

• Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance

• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future

• Flexible Working Options – We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible

• Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs

• Employee Discounts – On various products and services

• Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: Friday 31st July 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.

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.