At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise Operational Technology solutions for efficient water services.
- Company: Join Portsmouth Water, committed to providing reliable water for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, generous pension, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and sustainability while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT, PLC programming, and SCADA development required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future. We are looking for a proactive and solutions-focused Operational Technology (OT) Engineer to join our highly regarded Production Department. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in designing, developing and optimising OT solutions across our Production assets, helping us deliver reliable, safe and efficient water services to our customers.
Working closely with Operations and Technical teams, you will use your expertise to improve site reliability, reduce energy consumption, strengthen operational resilience, and support our continued focus on water quality, health, safety and wellbeing.
What will you be doing? Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist EICA/OT support and technical expertise across water treatment works and associated Network assets.
- Lead the delivery of OT system improvements and optimisations that support efficient, reliable operation of Production assets, including:
- Implementation of minor OT/ICS projects.
- Upgrades, enhancements and optimisation of OT assets.
- Improvements that increase production output, resilience and reliability.
- Process and control changes or modifications that support continuous improvement.
- Share your knowledge by delivering training, mentoring and technical guidance to colleagues.
- Support Factory and Site Acceptance Testing to ensure solutions are delivered to the right standard.
- Commission OT works where required, ensuring safe and effective handover into operation.
- Maintain robust change control for electronic documents, software packages and PLC/HMI/SCADA/GeoSCADA files.
- Proactively monitor OT cyber security equipment and systems, helping to protect critical operational environments.
- Carry out complex fault finding and diagnosis on Industrial Control Systems, resolving issues that directly support service reliability.
- Provide hands‑on support with reactive and operational work when required.
What do you need? Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
- Experience working in OT or industrial IT.
- Experience in PLC/HMI programming and SCADA development.
- Experience working to and from project/engineering documentation.
- HNC/HND Electronic Engineering/Control Systems Engineering.
- Advanced understanding of Industrial Control Systems.
- Experienced in PLC, SCADA and HMI design/modification/integration.
- Advanced understanding of OT communications and networking.
- Ability to successfully obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).
- Full UK driving licence.
If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.
Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications — so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
- Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge and explore.
- We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
- You could earn a non‑contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
- Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay.
- All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
- Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
- Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.
- We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer Private Medical Insurance – provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.
- Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year), Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Cash Plan – and so much more!
OT/ Controls Engineer in Langstone employer: Portsmouth Water
Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to ensuring sustainable water services for all. As an OT/Controls Engineer, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering opportunities for training and mentorship. With a commitment to flexibility and inclusivity, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on community health and safety but also supports your professional journey in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT/ Controls Engineer in Langstone
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Portsmouth Water!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the OT/ Controls Engineer position at Portsmouth Water, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Portsmouth Water is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted OT/ Controls Engineer role at Portsmouth Water!
We think you need these skills to ace OT/ Controls Engineer in Langstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Portsmouth Water and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth Water
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Portsmouth Water.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Portsmouth Water, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
