Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer - Reading, Berkshire in Earley

Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer - Reading, Berkshire in Earley

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ICA design and support projects to enhance water quality and safety.
  • Company: Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on water sustainability while developing your engineering skills.
  • 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 Waters 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.
  • Awareness 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)

Whats 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).
  • Car Allowance.
  • Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
  • Private Medical Health Care.
  • Access to lots of 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.

Who are we?

We're the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us? Learn more.

We're committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. 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.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer - Reading, Berkshire in Earley employer: Thames Water

Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique and rewarding work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and private healthcare, and a strong commitment to employee development, you'll find ample opportunities for growth and collaboration within a diverse and inclusive culture. Located in Reading, Berkshire, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring you remain connected with your team and contribute to our mission of building a sustainable future for water management.

Thames Water

Contact Detail:

Thames Water Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements. Be ready to discuss your experience with ICA design and how it aligns with Thames Water’s goals. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Engineer, you’ll need to mentor junior staff and lead projects. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully guided teams in the past during your interviews.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thames Water family and making a difference in the water sector.

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

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 for the Principal ICA Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in ICA design and your understanding of regulatory requirements, as this will show us you’re a perfect fit for the team.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! We want to see your knowledge of P&IDs, HAZOP, and other design processes. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've tackled complex ICA issues.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!

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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water

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 the water or utilities sector.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and support junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the development of others in the role.

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 relation to compliance and safety in engineering projects.

Engage with Stakeholders

Collaboration is key! Think of instances where you've influenced senior stakeholders or worked closely with project delivery teams. Be ready to share these experiences and how they relate to the role at Thames Water.