Applications Engineer

We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated Applications Engineer to join our Operational Technology (OT) team. You will act as a SCADA Subject Matter Expert (SME), responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimising regional and site-based SCADA systems that support Thames Water’s water and wastewater operations. This role supports the digital transformation of the UK’s largest water company, delivering secure, resilient SCADA platforms operating 24/7.

What you’ll do as an OT SCADA Development Engineer

SCADA Development & Lifecycle Management

• Develop and maintain OT SCADA applications across the full lifecycle, from design and build through testing, deployment, and optimisation.
• Lead SCADA system, application, and framework upgrades to ensure platforms remain secure, supported, and maintainable.
• Develop and manage SCADA Object Template Libraries, standards, and configurations.
• Validate and deploy system updates, including Windows patches, security updates, and antivirus updates.

Regional, Site & Interface Development

• Deliver regional and site SCADA developments, including standardised architectures and deployment solutions.
• Develop SCADA interfaces, data streams, and telemetry communications.
• Provide technical SCADA input to capital delivery projects through design and commissioning.

Availability, Fault Management & Support

• Ensure SCADA solutions are fit for operational use and support a 99.98% availability target.
• Provide second-tier OT technical support, including complex fault investigation, hotfixes, and incident resolution.
• Work with system integrators and vendors to resolve issues and improve system performance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement

• Translate operational requirements into effective SCADA solutions.
• Contribute to OT strategy, standards, and architecture development.
• Review emerging SCADA and OT technologies and support continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain SCADA-related training content.

Base location – Hybrid – Thames Water operational and office locations

Working pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday

What you should bring to the role

Essential Experience

• Strong experience in SCADA programming, development, and maintenance.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in reactive operational environments.
• Experience with SCADA platforms such as AVEVA/Wonderware System Platform, InTouch, FactoryTalk View, and ClearSCADA.
• Software development experience using Microsoft .NET, C#, and structured development practices.
• Experience programming to IEC 61131 standards (LD, SFC, FBD, ST, IL).
• Knowledge of Windows operating systems, virtualisation, and IP-based communications.
• Experience with telemetry protocols including DNP3, WITS DNP3, Modbus, and MQTT.
• Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.
• Experience in the water industry, utilities, or similar regulated sectors.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications

• HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline.
• Strong understanding of OT systems and architectures.
• Experience supporting relational and historian databases (e.g. SQL, PI, Wonderware Historian, ClearSCADA).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Visio.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Experience working within water operations or OT delivery teams.
• Knowledge of OT methodologies and best practices.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary: Up to £66,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Car Allowance: £4,500.
• Annual Leave: 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.
• Access to health and wellbeing benefits, including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.

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