At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Data and Modelling team to support data needs and maintain automated pipelines.
- Company: South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with FME, SQL, and Python; familiarity with GIS and SCADA is a plus.
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.
We're recruiting for a Data Engineer on a 12 month (maternity cover) to join our Data and Modelling team based in Exeter. Alongside a range of benefits, we'll offer you a competitive salary, with hybrid working arrangements.
About the role: This role sits within the Data and Modelling team, supporting operational and regulatory data needs across the business. The team maintain a large estate of automated data pipelines and provide data engineering support to internal teams.
What you'll be doing:
- Daily retrieval of data (pressure and flow) via Python scripts from a third party analytics platform.
- Weekly execution of FME alarm pipelines, including outflow volume and service trigger alarms - some of which require manual initiation from SCADA-generated notifications.
- Promptly actioning DMA boundary requests to ensure network definitions remain accurate and up-to-date.
- Weekly defect-fixing for an operational management application - tackling bugs that affect live operations.
- Early-stage scoping and development of FME workspaces for an asset data migration project.
- On-going data engineering support for IT-led systems integration programme.
- Data extraction and file management tasks to support the team.
- Ad-hoc data requests from the business using SQL, SME and Python.
- Ongoing documentation of the FME workspace estate.
What we're looking for:
- Solid working knowledge of FME server and FME desktop - able to build, maintain and troubleshoot workspaces independently.
- SQL server skills (for ad-hoc data queries and extracts).
- Python scripting for data retrieval, processing and automation.
- Methodical approach to operational monitoring - comfortable owning a live pipeline estate and responding to failures.
- Ability to read and understand existing code and processes.
- Familiarity with Esri/GIS platforms.
- Familiarity with SCADA or operational telemetry data (desirable).
- Experience working in a water utility or regulated infrastructure environment (desirable).
What's in it for you:
- Hybrid working arrangements to offer more flexibility.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, plus Bank Holidays and the ability to buy and sell holiday.
- Competitive company pension scheme.
- Access to thousands of discounts and savings through Pennon Perks.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- 24/7 support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Ongoing development and training.
Closing Date: 3rd June 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.
Data Engineer in Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters inclusivity and personal growth. Located in the picturesque Exeter, our Data Engineer role provides not only competitive salaries and hybrid working arrangements but also generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment while advancing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer in Exeter
✨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 Data Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Python and SQL skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects, especially in data retrieval and processing. Show us you can own a live pipeline estate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on technical skills; highlight your problem-solving abilities too. Share examples of how you've tackled bugs or improved processes in previous roles. We love a methodical approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! Make sure your application reflects your passion for water utilities and your commitment to sustainability. Let’s make a splash together!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python, SQL, and FME, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at South West Water. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in data engineering. Whether it’s fixing bugs or optimising pipelines, we want to see your methodical approach in action!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your FME server and desktop skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built, maintained, or troubleshot workspaces in the past. Having specific examples will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools, but you can also use them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Python Skills
Since you'll be using Python for data retrieval and automation, prepare to talk about your experience with it. Bring examples of scripts you've written or projects where you've used Python to solve problems. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's mission and values. Knowing how your role as a Data Engineer fits into their goals, like improving water quality and supporting sustainability, will help you connect your skills to their needs during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your methodical approach to operational monitoring and handling live pipeline estates. Think of scenarios where you've had to troubleshoot issues or manage data pipelines under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
