Operational Technology Engineer

Operational Technology Engineer

Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
InspireXT

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Connect machines to data systems and transform operational decisions.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing tech consultancy focused on industrial transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, and opportunities for travel and growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values ownership and integrity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in manufacturing with cutting-edge technology and hands-on experience.
  • Qualifications: Engineering background and a passion for learning in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

InspireXT is a technology consultancy helping industrial manufacturing, pharma and retail organisations connect the work of the shop floor to the work of the enterprise. Our promise is simple: Commerce to Operations. Connected. We do that with a focused, capable team that takes real ownership of client outcomes, and we are deliberate about leaving clients stronger than we found them.

We have lofty ambitions in an exciting market, where sustainability, efficiency, AI and technology enablement are driving bold collaborations in pursuit of customer excellence and profitable growth. The foundation is laid, momentum is building, and we are now looking for talented team players who share our values and want to make a meaningful difference as we shape the next chapter.

Our four values are not posters. They shape the job:

  • Customer centricity. The line, the operator and the result come first. A green dashboard that nobody on the floor trusts is a failure, not a delivery.
  • Ownership. You will be trusted with real responsibility early. We expect you to take it, and to say so plainly when something is not working.
  • Integrity. We tell clients the truth about their data, even when it is inconvenient and especially when it affects the bill.
  • Sustainability. We build things clients can keep running, and we transfer capability into their teams rather than holding it inside ours.

The Connected Shopfloor proposition brings machine data out of the plant and turns it into operational decisions, combining Litmus Edge at the edge with Databricks for analytics and with Oracle Smart Operations for enterprise execution. The hardest and most valuable part of that work is the OT side: getting clean, trustworthy data off a heterogeneous mix of equipment that was never designed to give it up easily.

What will you do:

  • Connect Litmus Edge to client equipment across mixed estates: different controllers, different protocols, different ages of kit.
  • Work with industrial protocols to capture sensor, controller and machine data.
  • Leverage NaturalAI™, build processes, knowledgebase and reusable assets.
  • Model and contextualise that data, building asset hierarchies and tag structures that hold up when someone downstream relies on them.
  • Prepare and hand off clean data streams to the Databricks and Oracle Smart Operations layers for analysis, business workflow execution and decision making.
  • Support condition‑based and predictive maintenance use cases, from first data capture through to a working result on a single line.
  • Run data quality checks early, so problems surface in week one rather than month four.
  • Spend time on the shop floor with operators, maintenance engineers and supervisors, learning how the line really works and designing around it rather than over it.
  • Document what you build clearly enough that a client team can sustain it after we leave.

What success looks like: your first year

  • By three months: understand the ground.
  • By six months: own your lane.
  • By twelve months: grow the lane.

Requirements:

  • An engineering apprenticeship or degree, ideally in a controls, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics or industrial discipline.
  • Real exposure to an industrial or manufacturing environment, and comfort being on a working shop floor.
  • A working understanding of industrial automation, PLCs, sensors and control systems.
  • Some programming or data handling experience (for example Python, SQL, or scripting), and the appetite to grow it quickly.
  • The communication to talk to a machine operator and a data engineer in the same afternoon and be understood by both.
  • A willingness to travel to client sites across the UK and, over time other Regions of InspireXT.

You do not need to have done all of this before. You do need to be the sort of person who learns fast, owns their mistakes, and keeps going when the data is messy and the answer is not obvious.

As part of a growing, ambitious, and progressive organization, you will receive a competitive compensation package including retirement benefits, health, and life insurance.

Operational Technology Engineer employer: InspireXT

At InspireXT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on experience and the opportunity to shape impactful solutions in a dynamic environment. With competitive benefits and a focus on sustainability and integrity, you'll be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the industrial technology landscape.

InspireXT

Contact Details:

InspireXT Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Technology Engineer

Tap into Industry Events

Look out for industry-specific expos and conferences like the Automation and Control Systems Expo. These are perfect for meeting key players in the field and learning about potential job openings that might not even be advertised yet. Plus, showing up can help us get our foot in the door with companies like InspireXT.

Engage on Specialist Platforms

Join communities on platforms like ControlGlobal or Automation.com. Participating in discussions or asking questions can help us get noticed by professionals in the automation control systems niche, and we might even learn about entry-level opportunities at places like InspireXT.

Leverage University Career Services

If you’re still at university, don’t forget to tap into your career services. They often have partnerships with companies looking for fresh talent. It’s a great way to connect with potential employers without the pressure of a formal job application, which could lead us to securing a position at InspireXT!

Showcase Your Projects

Put together a portfolio of any projects you've completed during your studies or self-led initiatives in automation control systems. Hosting this on a personal website or platforms like GitHub can make us more visible and could catch the eye of hiring managers at InspireXT when we apply through their website.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Technology Engineer

Industrial Automation
PLC Programming
Sensor Data Capture
Control Systems Knowledge
Data Handling (Python, SQL, Scripting)
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your technical skills:For an entry-level role in automation and control systems, make sure to highlight relevant technical skills on your CV. Mention any software or programming languages you’re familiar with, like MATLAB or PLC programming, and don’t forget to showcase any university projects or hands-on experience that relate to the field.

Connect the dots in your cover letter:When writing your cover letter, connect your personal experiences directly to the role at InspireXT. Talk about your coursework, internships, or projects that involved automation or control systems, and explain how they’ve prepared you for this job. We've all been there – it's your chance to really show your enthusiasm for the industry!

Include relevant certifications:If you’ve completed any certifications related to automation or control systems, definitely include those in your application! Even entry-level roles can benefit from showing that you’re proactive about your professional development. It adds credibility and demonstrates your commitment to the field.

Tailor your CV format:For an entry-level position, keep your CV clear and concise. Use bullet points to highlight key achievements, education, and relevant projects. Employers at InspireXT will appreciate a straightforward format that makes it easy to see your potential without unnecessary fluff. Remember, it's all about making a strong first impression!

How to prepare for a job interview at InspireXT

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

You've got to dive deep into the basics of automation and control systems. Make sure you know your way around PLCs, SCADA systems, and HMI interfaces. Familiarising yourself with common software tools like MATLAB or LabVIEW will definitely give you an edge during technical discussions.

Showcase Your Projects or Internships

As an entry-level candidate, any hands-on experience will be your best asset. Bring along a portfolio of your projects or any internships related to automation, even if they were part of your studies. It’s all about demonstrating your practical understanding and what you’ve done with your skills in a real-world context.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions where you might need to troubleshoot a hypothetical issue with automation systems. Interviewers love to see your problem-solving process, so think through how you would tackle common challenges in the field and articulate your reasoning clearly.

Express Your Eagerness to Learn

Since you're aiming for an entry-level role, emphasising your eagerness to learn and grow in this industry is key. Talk about your passion for technology and automation, and how you see yourself evolving within a company like InspireXT. This enthusiasm can really make you stand out from the pack!