At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair vital plant and process control systems to ensure operational efficiency.
- 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
Maintenance Engineer Apprentice (Permanent) in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. As a Maintenance Engineer Apprentice, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working options, and comprehensive healthcare benefits while contributing to essential services in one of the UK's most beautiful regions. Join us to develop your technical skills in a forward-thinking environment where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Engineer Apprentice (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 Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can confidently discuss PLC platforms and process control systems, as these are key to the role. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for sustainability and community service during your interview. South West Water is all about making a difference, so let them know how you can contribute to their goals of a greener future.
✨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 the team and making a splash in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Engineer Apprentice (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 a Maintenance Engineer Apprentice and how you can contribute to our mission of providing safe and reliable water services.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight any relevant experience or qualifications you have in industrial control or instrumentation. We love seeing how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see 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 shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Tech
Brush up on your knowledge of PLC platforms and process control systems. Be ready to discuss specific technologies you've worked with and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the technical landscape.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you diagnosed and resolved complex faults. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and ability to think on your feet.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's core values: Be Rock Solid, Be You, and Be the Future. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples that reflect this during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the company culture is the right fit for you. It’s a two-way street!
