PLC Project Engineer

Are you a seasoned automation professional ready to step out of the daily maintenance loop and take the reins on a major, high-impact industrial transformation? We are looking for a PLC Project Engineer to serve as our ultimate go-to expert and Technical Authority for an ambitious, multi-site PLC replacement programme. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, you will act as the crucial bridge connecting Project Management, Engineering, Operations, IT, and external contractors to turn high-level strategy into on-the-ground execution.

Your mission is to ensure the safe, secure, and seamless execution of the PLC replacement lifecycle, from initial site surveys and drafting technical specifications for contract Works Information, to overseeing contractor delivery and ensuring strict compliance with NIS Regulations / IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards.

Although this role offers flexible/hybrid working (office/home), you will be expected to travel to any location or site within South East Water’s supply areas, as required, as part of the project(s) you are working on e.g. pre-construction and construction phase elements such as scoping or Contractor progress/design review meetings, defect reviews etc.

• Site Survey and Scope Definition: Lead and carry out detailed physical and desktop site surveys (including panels/MCCs, I/O and signal schedules, network architecture, and wiring diagrams). Identify engineering gaps (e.g., missing drawings, legacy software backups, access constraints) and develop mitigation strategies before work is contracted. Assess the complexity, urgency, and shutdown constraints of nominated legacy PLC assets to help the project team sequence the rollout strategy.
• Technical Authority & Contract Specification: Feed robust technical specifications and scope requirements into contract documents and Works Information packages for tendering and contractor execution. Act as the primary point of contact for all technical queries, design reviews, and engineering decisions relating to the PLC replacement programme. Review and approve contractor design submissions, including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), ensuring they align with company standards, operational requirements, and the agreed scope of work. Contribute to the development and refinement of OT standards procedures, and best practices. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in operational technology, recommending improvements and innovative solutions. Act as an internal consultant, providing expert advice and technical guidance on OT-related projects and initiatives.
• NIS Regulations & OT Security Assurance: Ensure all contractor deliverables, network architectures, and PLC/HMI deployments strictly adhere to NIS Regulations and secure-by-design (IEC 62443) principles. Coordinate with IT/Cybersecurity teams to implement secure network prerequisites (managed switches, IP addressing, comms proving, and firewall rules). Verify and compile the necessary cyber/OT assurance evidence required for final regulatory sign-off.
• Shutdown Planning & Execution Support: Collaborate with the project team and Operations to plan shutdown sequences, identifying what works can be pre-commissioned vs. what must occur during outages. Review and validate contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements. Support staged replacement approaches (e.g., dual-running/temporary solutions) and rollback plans.
• Testing, Commissioning & Handover: Support testing and commissioning of new or modified OT systems to verify functionality and reliability. Witness, review, and sign off on Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). Actively manage the technical defect log, ensuring the contractor remediates issues prior to final handover. Ensure the contractor delivers accurate as-builts, redlines, updated loop drawings, software backups, and O&M manuals to hand over to the Operations teams. Capture lessons learned and feed improvements into subsequent site deliveries.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure all work is conducted in strict adherence to health and safety regulations, company policies, and relevant industry standards. Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with OT systems to ensure a safe working environment. Maintain accurate records of all activities for audit and compliance purposes.

• HNC (Higher National Certificate) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering or technical discipline. A professional technical qualification issued by recognised institutions or major PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) manufacturers such as certifications in specific PLC programming languages, industrial automation systems, or recognised professional engineering bodies.
• A strong foundation in automation, electrical, programming and troubleshooting principles.
• Fluent in the languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard, and often the proprietary software of major vendors.
• Understanding the physical and logical layout of an automation system, including I/O Mapping and Configuration, HMI/SCADA Systems, VFDs and Motion Control and PID Control.
• The ability to establish communication between PLCs, HMIs, drives, and other field devices.
• Demonstrable electrical and mechanical knowledge including ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics (blueprints, wiring diagrams), knowledge of control panel layout, component selection, safety standards, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting hardware manuals, understanding wiring diagrams, and performing physical connections to establish a functional PLC system.
• A strong and demonstrable track record in maintenance or engineering within a dynamic and fast-paced industrial environment. Experience in preventative, predictive, and reactive maintenance strategies, as well as involvement in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Extensive and practical experience with the fundamental configuration of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) hardware. Practical experience in troubleshooting, modifying, and/or creating PLC programs.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Up to £61,800 p.a. dependent on experience.