At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ICA design and support projects to enhance water quality and safety.
- Company: Thames Water, a leader in sustainable water management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career growth 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; chartership preferred.
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.
- 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)
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).
- 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 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.
Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can significantly impact the Control and Instrument (ICA) team while contributing to vital water management initiatives. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical care and generous holiday allowances, Thames Water fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. The hybrid working model at Clearwater Court allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while you engage in meaningful projects that enhance community wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of your past projects and how you tackled challenges. This is your moment to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the Principal ICA Engineer role.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand Thames Water’s goals and how your expertise aligns with their ambitions. Prepare questions that show your interest in their projects and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 team and contributing to Thames Water’s mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Instrument Controls and Automation (ICA) Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your ICA experience and how it aligns with Thames Water's ambitions. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, emphasise your knowledge of regulatory requirements and your experience with ICA design. We’re looking for a technical leader, so include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex issues and lead projects.
Highlight Your Mentoring Skills:Since mentoring junior staff is part of the role, share any experiences you have in guiding others. We value collaboration and leadership, so let us know how you've supported the development of your colleagues in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Thames Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your ICA Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Control and Instrumentation knowledge, especially around design work and regulatory requirements. Be ready to discuss your experience with data networks and Safety Instrumented Systems, as well as how you've tackled complex ICA issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor junior staff and lead technical sign-offs. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, and how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with DSEAR, ATEX, and hazardous area requirements. Be prepared to explain how you've ensured compliance in your past projects and how you can apply this knowledge to Thames Water's standards.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth questions about P&IDs, HAZOP, and risk review processes. Think of specific scenarios where you've applied these concepts, and be ready to discuss how they relate to improving water quality and safety in your projects.
