PLC Project Engineer

• NIS Regulations & OT Security Assurance

  • Ensure all contractor deliverables, network architectures, and PLC/HMI deployments strictly adhere to NIS Regulations and secure-by-design (IEC 62443) principles.
  • Coordinate with IT/Cybersecurity teams to implement secure network prerequisites (managed switches, IP addressing, comms proving, and firewall rules).
  • Verify and compile the necessary cyber/OT assurance evidence required for final regulatory sign-off.

• Shutdown Planning & Execution Support

  • Collaborate with the project team and Operations to plan shutdown sequences, identifying what works can be pre-commissioned vs. what must occur during outages.
  • Review and validate contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
  • Support staged replacement approaches (e.g., dual-running/temporary solutions) and rollback plans.

• Testing, Commissioning & Handover

  • Support testing and commissioning of new or modified OT systems to verify functionality and reliability.
  • Witness, review, and sign off on Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
  • Actively manage the technical defect log, ensuring the contractor remediates issues prior to final handover.
  • Ensure the contractor delivers accurate as-builts, redlines, updated loop drawings, software backups, and O&M manuals to hand over to the Operations teams.
  • Capture lessons learned and feed improvements into subsequent site deliveries.

• Safety and Compliance:

  • Ensure all work is conducted in strict adherence to health and safety regulations, company policies, and relevant industry standards.
  • Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with OT systems to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Maintain accurate records of all activities for audit and compliance purposes.

You'll need:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• HNC (Higher National Certificate) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering or technical discipline.
• A professional technical qualification issued by recognised institutions or major PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) manufacturers such as certifications in specific PLC programming languages, industrial automation systems, or recognised professional engineering bodies.
• A strong foundation in automation, electrical, programming, and troubleshooting principles.
• Fluent in the languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard, and often the proprietary software of major vendors.
• Understanding the physical and logical layout of an automation system, including I/O Mapping and Configuration, HMI/SCADA Systems, VFDs and Motion Control and PID Control.
• The ability to establish communication between PLCs, HMIs, drives, and other field devices.
• Demonstrable electrical and mechanical knowledge including ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics (blueprints, wiring diagrams), knowledge of control panel layout, component selection, safety standards, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting hardware manuals, understanding wiring diagrams, and performing physical connections to establish a functional PLC system.
• A strong and demonstrable track record in maintenance or engineering within a dynamic and fast-paced industrial environment.
• Experience in preventative, predictive, and reactive maintenance strategies, as well as involvement in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Extensive and practical experience with the fundamental configuration of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) hardware.
• Practical experience in troubleshooting, modifying, and/or creating PLC programs.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment, and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package:

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

What can you expect from your recruitment?

To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website.

It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.

Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package:

Up to £61,800 p.a. dependent on experience