Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading

Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading

Reading Full-Time 75000 - 100000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Thames Water Utilities Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ICA design and support projects to enhance water quality and safety.
  • Company: Thames Water, a leader in asset management and engineering.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and pension scheme.
  • Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
  • Qualifications: Extensive ICA experience and degree in engineering required.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.

In this important role you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the Control and Instrument (ICA) team in Thames Water Above Ground Engineering to achieve Thames Water’s Asset Management Period AMP8 ambitions and beyond.

What you’ll be doing as a Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer:

  • Undertake ICA design work, including scope narratives, system architecture drawings, process narratives, and instrument and I/O lists.
  • Ensure engineering works comply with regulatory requirements and internal asset standards.
  • Provide technical support to Operations and Projects in resolving complex ICA issues.
  • Lead technical sign-off and assurance throughout project delivery, including handover stages.
  • Mentor and support the development of junior staff.
  • Provide technical input into Project Definition Briefs.
  • Manage and review engineering design partner deliverables.
  • Provide ICA support to the process team and others in responding to waiver requests against Thames Water standards.
  • Contribute ICA expertise to incident investigations and follow-up remediation activities.
  • Lead ICA-related Hazard Reviews (HazRev) to assess process safety at major sites and identify remediation measures to improve water quality.

Base location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB, weekly attendance in the office required. Working pattern or hours: 36 hours per week, Mon-Fri.

What you should bring to the role:

  • Be a recognised Control & Instrumentation technical leader with extensive, demonstrable ICA experience.
  • Significant experience in ICA design, including data networks and some Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), with familiarity in the water or utilities sector (or equivalent industries with comparable technical solutions).
  • Strong knowledge of the regulatory environment, including detailed understanding of DSEAR, ATEX, and hazardous area requirements, and the ability to specify these effectively.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline, with professional chartership achieved or working towards it via a defined route.
  • Good understanding of P&IDs, HAZOP, HAZID, OPMAN, and similar design and risk review processes.
  • Aware of contractual and commercial considerations, particularly when supporting project delivery teams.
  • Strong understanding of project delivery, including constructability, commissioning, operability, maintainability, spares strategy, and security considerations.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

  • Demonstrates a solid understanding of water and wastewater processes and associated process control systems. (preferred)

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive salary from £75,000 to £100,000 per annum, depending on experience.
  • 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
  • Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
  • Private Medical Health Care.
  • Access to benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited

Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our hybrid Clearwater Court location. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday entitlement, private medical care, and a robust pension scheme, we prioritise the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the water sector while enjoying opportunities for mentorship and career advancement within a supportive team culture.

Thames Water Utilities Limited

Contact Detail:

Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Principal ICA Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and real-world applications. Be ready to discuss your experience with ICA design and regulatory compliance, as well as how you’ve tackled complex issues in past projects. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your mentoring skills! As a Principal Engineer, you’ll be expected to guide junior staff. Share examples of how you’ve supported others in their development during interviews to highlight your leadership abilities.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thames Water. Let’s make your next career move a great one!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading

Control & Instrumentation Expertise
ICA Design
Data Networks
Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
Regulatory Knowledge (DSEAR, ATEX)
Stakeholder Collaboration
P&IDs Understanding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in ICA design and regulatory knowledge. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects where you’ve led ICA design work or resolved complex issues. We love seeing concrete examples of your technical prowess, especially in the water or utilities sector.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited

Know Your ICA Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your Control & Instrumentation knowledge, especially around design work and regulatory requirements. Be ready to discuss your experience with data networks and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in detail.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor junior staff and lead technical discussions. Prepare examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and supported project delivery in the past.

Understand the Regulatory Landscape

Familiarise yourself with DSEAR, ATEX, and hazardous area requirements. Be prepared to explain how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, particularly in the water or utilities sector.

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Expect to tackle complex ICA issues during the interview. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as well as your approach to leading Hazard Reviews and ensuring process safety.