At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major PLC replacement programme and ensure seamless execution across multiple sites.
- Company: Join South East Water, a forward-thinking company dedicated to community service and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while enjoying excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in industrial transformation while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: HNC or equivalent in engineering, with experience in automation and PLC systems.
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.
Main responsibilities:
- Site Survey and Scope Definition: Lead and carry out detailed physical and desktop site surveys. Identify engineering gaps and develop mitigation strategies before work is contracted.
- Technical Authority & Contract Specification: Feed robust technical specifications and scope requirements into contract documents. Act as the primary point of contact for all technical queries.
- NIS Regulations & OT Security Assurance: Ensure all contractor deliverables adhere to NIS Regulations and secure-by-design principles. Coordinate with IT/Cybersecurity teams.
- Shutdown Planning & Execution Support: Collaborate with the project team and Operations to plan shutdown sequences. Review and validate contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
- Testing, Commissioning & Handover: Support testing and commissioning of new or modified OT systems. Actively manage the technical defect log.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensure all work is conducted in strict adherence to health and safety regulations. Maintain accurate records of all activities for audit and compliance purposes.
You'll need:
- 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 manufacturers.
- A strong foundation in automation, electrical, programming and troubleshooting principles.
- Demonstrable electrical and mechanical knowledge including ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics.
- A strong and demonstrable track record in maintenance or engineering within a dynamic and fast-paced industrial environment.
- 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.
Grow a career with a meaningful purpose. 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.
Benefits package:
- 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!
Compensation package: Up to £61,800 p.a. dependent on experience.
PLC Project Engineer in Snodland employer: South East Water
At South East Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration and diversity. As a Cost Controller, you will not only play a crucial role in managing multi-million pound projects but also benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and a generous benefits package, including a stakeholder pension scheme and flexible leave options. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PLC Project Engineer in Snodland
✨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 South East 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 PLC Project Engineer position at South East 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 South East 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 PLC Project Engineer role at South East Water!
We think you need these skills to ace PLC Project Engineer in Snodland
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 South East 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 South East 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 South East 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 South East 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.
