Job Specification: Controls Engineer Water Industry (Nottingham)

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Nottingham (with regional travel to water and wastewater sites)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Department: Automation & Controls / Engineering

Overview

A Nottingham-based water utility company is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to support the design, development, and maintenance of control and automation systems across water and wastewater treatment assets. The role involves working on PLC/SCADA systems, telemetry, instrumentation, and process control equipment critical to maintaining safe and efficient network operations.

Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation & Control Systems

• Design, develop, and modify PLC, HMI, and SCADA software for water and wastewater sites.
• Produce technical documentation including FDS, control philosophies, I/O schedules, and CAD markups.
• Support system integration for treatment works, pumping stations, chemical dosing, and network assets.

Site Support & Commissioning

• Carry out commissioning, testing, and optimisation of new and existing control systems.
• Provide fault-finding and technical support to operations teams on site.
• Conduct site surveys, assist with installations, and ensure all works comply with industry standards.

Maintenance & Compliance

• Troubleshoot PLC/SCADA issues and implement corrective actions to minimise downtime.
• Maintain accurate configuration records, backups, and version control.
• Ensure systems adhere to relevant regulations, including water industry standards and internal procedures.

Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and process teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
• Liaise with external contractors, system integrators, and technology providers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, digitalisation programmes, and asset upgrades.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI development and telemetry systems used in utility environments.
• Understanding of instrumentation, process control, and industrial networks (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.).
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Background in the water industry or other process-driven sectors is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on operational sites.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the regional network.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree, HNC, or HND in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Control Systems, or similar.
• Experience working within regulated industries (water, utilities, chemical, energy).
• Knowledge of functional safety, cybersecurity for OT systems, or telemetry protocols.
• Water hygiene, confined space, or other relevant site certifications (advantageous but not essential).

Whats on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Training and professional development, including PLC/SCADA platforms and water industry certification.
• Opportunity to work on critical infrastructure and modernisation projects.
• Supportive engineering environment with progression opportunities.