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South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer
Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your previous skills and experience, in a trusted and collaborative workplace? Have you got what it takes to contribute to the operation and maintenance of our service, as part of one of the largest businesses in the South West? We currently have an opportunity for an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer to join our team based in Totnes. Joining us on a full-time permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary plus excellent benefits.
About the role
As our Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer you will repair and maintain critical remote plant and process control systems, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of operational services. You will carry out planned maintenance activities and provide timely response to operational issues, performing onsite analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex problems.
What you'll be doing:
- Carrying out planned and proactive maintenance activities on operational instrumentation and controls systems to improve process compliance, reliability, and performance
- Providing timely response to operational issues, performing onsite analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex problems
- Participating in a 24 x 7 x7 365 standby roster to provide out of hours reactive maintenance services
- Working collaboratively with a range of operational teams such as mechanical, and electrical technicians to prioritise work and coordinate the delivery of maintenance activities
- Assisting the Operational Technology Maintenance Manager with root causes of plant failure and/or sub optimal performance and take ownership of resolution
- Engaging with Operational Technology Regional Maintenance and Operational Technology Maintenance Managers, instrumentation, and Operational Technology standards engineers to provide levels of technical detail that help to drive Industrial Control System (ICS) technical standards necessary to ensure we comply with relevant legislation e.g., UK NIS (Network and Information Systems) directive, exploit technology and standardise implementations
- Undertaking firmware/software releases, patching and rollouts according to change, security and release management best practice
What we are looking for:
- Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science subject (or equivalent)
- Relevant industrial control apprenticeship, qualifications, or training
- Strong knowledge of PLC platforms
- Experience of process control and ELV/LV electrical systems
- Excellent IT skills and a technical bias
- Full UK drivers licence and an ability to travel around the work area using company vehicle
- Ability to complete UK Government Security Clearance (SC) process successfully
What's in it for you:
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We're one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing Date: 19th May 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
