At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair vital plant and process control systems for safe operations.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a green mission.
- 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 on essential services while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; relevant apprenticeship or qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € 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.
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
Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer 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 individual contributions. As an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth while playing a crucial role in maintaining essential services in one of the UK's most beautiful regions. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our communities and the environment, all while enjoying a rewarding career with a company committed to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer in Devon, Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at South West Water. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission of sustainability and community support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of PLC platforms and process control systems. We want to see that you can hit the ground running and tackle those complex faults with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the South West.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Technical Skills:Make sure to highlight your technical expertise in your application. We want to see how your experience with PLC platforms and process control systems can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer role. We love seeing how you fit into our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
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 Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company'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 and the company’s future projects, especially regarding sustainability initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in contributing to their mission and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
