Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA)

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA)

Full-Time 53000 - 53000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Water Production team as an ICA Technician, maintaining and optimising water production assets.
  • Company: Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £53,000 plus overtime, with generous annual leave and health benefits.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career growth in a diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and sustainability while developing your technical skills.
  • Qualifications: HNC or NVQ level 3 in instrumentation, control, and automation preferred.

The predicted salary is between 53000 - 53000 £ per year.

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA)

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA) or Control and Instrumentation (C&I) technician to join our Water Production team in Latton WTW.

This is a mobile role, where you would be required to work in day in your designated area of Cotswold and Swindon, however on emergency occasions, you may be asked to cover the wider patch of various Water treatment works, Boosters, Reservoirs around the West Thames Valley area, which includes the Oxford area if operational issues arise.

We are looking for someone who can work in a safe, efficient, timely and effective manner with minimum supervision while maintaining the required standards to ensure that our statutory obligations are met and that asset availability and the associated performance measures are maintained to manufacturers' standards.

An ICA Technician may also operate and optimise processes and on-site equipment to ensure delivery of water quality compliance, safety, and operational efficiencies both in and out of normal hours.

What you’ll be doing as an Instrument Control Automation Technician (Control and Instrumentation Technician)

  • The role would include installations, commissioning, maintenance, and repairs of water production assets, including level, Pressure, flow Instrumentation.
  • Working with technology, including SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, associated PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and Process control networks.
  • Liaise with and supervise contractors and suppliers where necessary.
  • This vital role also involves the investigation into asset failures and the implementation of subsequent repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid interruptions to the water supply process.
  • You will be responsible for providing specialist technical advice where appropriate, with up-to-date technical knowledge, and providing training support for technical apprentices.

Base Location – Latton Water Treatment Works, Cirencester Road, Down Ampney, Cirencester, GL7 5QF. Due to the nature of this role, travel between various sites will be required.

Working

Pattern: 38 hours per week Monday-Friday 7:30 am -3:36pm Plus standby & overtime opportunity, increasing earnings by a potential £8,000 - £10,000 upon completion of essential company training.

Equipment: All PPE, tools, a company van and a fuel card are provided.

  • What you should bring to the role
  • Ideally, you will be qualified to HNC level or otherwise NVQ level 3 (or equivalent) in an instrumentation, control and automation discipline.
  • Desirable for you to have an 18th Edition (BS7671) qualification.
  • A good, practical understanding of operational plant and control systems is essential.
  • An understanding of Clear SCADA and Telemetry outstations is desirable.
  • Good foundational knowledge of Low Voltage (LV) systems desirable.
  • Knowledge and experience working with Ladder logic and PLCs (Rockwell & Alan Bradley), which will include management and programming.
  • The ideal candidate will have the ability to read and fault-find from circuit diagrams where available.
  • We are looking for someone with experience in calibration and maintenance of front-line instrumentation.
  • A problem solver, able to identify potential issues and implement solutions, or elevate if required.
  • An excellent communicator, providing technical expertise to Internal and External staff and contractors.
  • Resilient, adapting to the pressures of work and working in a constantly changing environment.
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision, under own initiative to design and standards.
  • Knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety issues relevant to the industry.
  • Team player who can work in many different teams, showing respect for others, providing helpful feedback and supporting the development of others.
  • Full UK driving licence.

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive salary offering up to £53,000 per annum, depending on skills, experience and qualifications.
  • Plus standby & overtime opportunity, increasing earnings by a potential £8,000 - £10,000 upon completion of essential company training.
  • Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
  • Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
  • 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.
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

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.

It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

  • Learn more about our purpose and values
  • Working at Thames Water

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’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

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.

It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

  • Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) employer: Thames Water

Thames Water is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on innovation in wastewater operations, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, a 36-hour week, and opportunities to mentor colleagues while contributing to impactful projects. The Crossness location provides a unique environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the community and enhance your technical skills in a collaborative setting.

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Contact Details:

Thames Water Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA)

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) role you’re after at Thames Water.

✨Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Thames Water a taste of what you can bring to the table!

✨Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Thames Water.

✨Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) at Thames Water, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA)

Instrumentation and Control Systems
SCADA Systems
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Process Control Networks
Calibration and Maintenance of Instrumentation
Fault-Finding from Circuit Diagrams
Health and Safety Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Thames Water a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Thames Water specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Thames Water, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

✨Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Thames Water want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

✨Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.