At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise SCADA systems for water operations, ensuring 24/7 reliability.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water company, driving digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential water services while advancing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SCADA programming and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, self‑motivated Applications Engineer to join our Operational Technology (OT) team. You will act as a SCADA Subject Matter Expert (SME), responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimising regional and site‑based SCADA systems that support Thames Water's water and wastewater operations. This role supports the digital transformation of the UK's largest water company, delivering secure, resilient SCADA platforms operating 24/7.
What you'll do as an OT SCADA Development Engineer
- SCADA Development & Lifecycle Management
- Develop and maintain OT SCADA applications across the full lifecycle, from design and build through testing, deployment, and optimisation.
- Lead SCADA system, application, and framework upgrades to ensure platforms remain secure, supported, and maintainable.
- Develop and manage SCADA Object Template Libraries, standards, and configurations.
- Validate and deploy system updates, including Windows patches, security updates, and antivirus updates.
- Regional, Site & Interface Development
- Deliver regional and site SCADA developments, including standardised architectures and deployment solutions.
- Develop SCADA interfaces, data streams, and telemetry communications.
- Provide technical SCADA input to capital delivery projects through design and commissioning.
- Availability, Fault Management & Support
- Ensure SCADA solutions are fit for operational use and support a 99.98% availability target.
- Provide second‑tier OT technical support, including complex fault investigation, hotfixes, and incident resolution.
- Work with system integrators and vendors to resolve issues and improve system performance.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement
- Translate operational requirements into effective SCADA solutions.
- Contribute to OT strategy, standards, and architecture development.
- Review emerging SCADA and OT technologies and support continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain SCADA‑related training content.
Base location: Hybrid – Thames Water operational and office locations.
Working pattern: 36 hours Monday to Friday.
Qualifications and Experience
- Strong experience in SCADA programming, development, and maintenance.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities in reactive operational environments.
- Experience with SCADA platforms such as AVEVA/Wonderware System Platform, InTouch, FactoryTalk View, and ClearSCADA.
- Software development experience using Microsoft .NET, C#, and structured development practices.
- Experience programming to IEC 61131 standards (LD, SFC, FBD, ST, IL).
- Knowledge of Windows operating systems, virtualisation, and IP‑based communications.
- Experience with telemetry protocols including DNP3, WITS DNP3, Modbus, and MQTT.
- Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.
- Experience in the water industry, utilities, or similar regulated sectors.
Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications
- HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline.
- Strong understanding of OT systems and architectures.
- Experience supporting relational and historian databases (e.g. SQL, PI, Wonderware Historian, ClearSCADA).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Visio.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience & Skills
- Experience working within water operations or OT delivery teams.
- Knowledge of OT methodologies and best practices.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
Disability Confident
Disability Confident employer – we will offer an interview to any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.
Benefits
- Competitive salary: up to £66,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Car allowance: £4,500.
- Annual leave: 26 days per year, rising to 30 with length of service, plus bank holidays.
- Performance‑related pay plan tied to company performance measures and targets.
- Generous pension scheme through AON.
- Additional benefits: annual health MOTs, physiotherapy and counselling access, Cycle‑to‑Work schemes, shopping vouchers, life assurance.
Applications Engineer employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth within the water industry. As part of our Operational Technology team, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while contributing to the digital transformation of the UK's largest water company. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, and our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including health MOTs and access to counselling services.
Contact Details:
Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Applications Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thames Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on SCADA systems and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to show that we’re not just familiar but passionate about the tools and processes that keep Thames Water running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to problem-solving and technical scenarios. We should be ready to demonstrate how we’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in SCADA programming and maintenance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Thames Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Applications Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Applications Engineer role. Highlight your SCADA programming experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 in OT systems can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention your experience with SCADA platforms, programming languages, and any relevant methodologies. We’re keen to see how you can bring your expertise to our digital transformation efforts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited
✨Know Your SCADA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SCADA knowledge, especially the platforms mentioned like AVEVA and FactoryTalk. Be ready to discuss your experience with these systems and how you've optimised them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex faults or incidents in previous jobs. Highlight your approach to troubleshooting and how you ensured system availability, as this role demands a 99.98% uptime.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to translate operational requirements into effective SCADA solutions, so being able to communicate with non-technical stakeholders is key.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to continuous improvement in your previous roles. Mention any emerging technologies you've reviewed and how they could enhance SCADA systems, showing your proactive approach.
