At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair vital plant and process control systems to ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; relevant apprenticeship or qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 € per year.
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 support 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.
Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer
Exeter or Barnstaple | Full-Time, Permanent | Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits
Are you ready to put your technical expertise to work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment? Do you want to play a vital role in maintaining critical systems within one of the South West's largest and most trusted organisations?
We're looking for an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer to join our team, based in either Exeter HQ or Barnstaple. This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge operational technology while contributing to essential services that support our communities every day.
The Role
As an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer, you'll be responsible for maintaining and repairing vital plant and process control systems. You'll help ensure our operations run safely, efficiently, and reliably by combining hands-on technical expertise with problem-solving excellence. From planned maintenance to rapid response troubleshooting, you'll be at the heart of our operational performance.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Delivering planned and proactive maintenance on instrumentation and control systems to enhance reliability and performance
- Responding quickly to operational issues, carrying out on-site diagnosis and resolution of complex faults
- Participating in a 24/7 standby rota to provide out-of-hours support
- Collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams to prioritise and coordinate maintenance activities
- Investigating root causes of equipment failures and driving effective solutions
- Supporting the development and standardisation of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in line with legislation (e.g. UK NIS Directive)
- Managing firmware/software updates, patching, and system rollouts in line with best practice
What We're Looking For:
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above), including Maths, English, and Science (or equivalent)
- A relevant apprenticeship or qualification in industrial control, instrumentation, or a similar field
- Strong working knowledge of PLC platforms
- Experience with process control systems and ELV/LV electrical systems
- Confident IT user with a strong technical mindset
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the work area (company vehicle provided)
- Ability to successfully obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC)
Ready to make a difference? Join us as our OT Maintenance Engineer and help create a workplace where people thrive.
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our OT Maintenance 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: 27th May 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 every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Locations
Apprentice Maintenance Engineer (Permanent) in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
South West Water is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking environment where you can develop your technical skills as an Apprentice Maintenance Engineer. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee growth, you'll be part of a team dedicated to maintaining essential services while contributing to a greener future in the stunning landscapes of Exeter or Barnstaple.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Maintenance Engineer (Permanent) in Devon, Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Apprentice Maintenance Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can talk confidently about PLC platforms and process control systems, as these are key to the role. We want to see your passion for operational technology!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you diagnosed and resolved issues effectively. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to a greener future.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Maintenance Engineer (Permanent) in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about becoming an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer and how you can contribute to our mission of providing reliable water services.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match what we're looking for, like your knowledge of PLC platforms and process control systems. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC platforms and process control systems. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these technologies in the past, as this will show your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've diagnosed and resolved complex faults. Think about the steps you took and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to think on your feet, which is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's core values: Be Rock Solid, Be You, and Be the Future. During the interview, try to align your answers with these values to show that you're a good cultural fit and understand what they stand for.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to maintenance and how they handle operational challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
