OT Data Systems Engineer

We are looking for a delivery-focused, results-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative, team-focused culture. You will work closely with engineering teams, operations, internal stakeholders, and external suppliers to lead the secure integration, management, and optimisation of Operational Technology (OT) data systems that underpin Thames Water’s digital transformation journey.

We are seeking an OT Data Systems Engineer to manage and develop OT data structures and system integrations across Thames Water’s water and wastewater infrastructure. You will play a key role in transitioning our data architecture, leading database re-structuring efforts, decommissioning legacy systems, and supporting the implementation of enterprise-scale data platforms like Aveva PI. This role ensures consistent, efficient, and secure data flow from our SCADA systems to enterprise applications.

What you’ll do as an OT Data Systems Engineer:

OT Data Integration & Development:

• Manage and maintain secure integration of SCADA and OT data with enterprise systems.
• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of database architecture upgrades and data migrations.
• Develop and maintain data reporting systems, stream processing, and data visualisation tools.
• Support the decommissioning of legacy platforms, including the Oracle estate.
• Build datasets to enable deep insight into OT asset performance and analytics.

SCADA Data Support & System Management:

• Ensure availability of SCADA and OT data systems with high uptime targets (e.g. 99.98%).
• Oversee the transition and integration of site and regional SCADA systems into Thames Water’s central architecture.
• Manage data flows and integrity across PI Historian, SCADA historians, and centralised interfaces.
• Identify and implement efficient methods to access and manage structured/unstructured data.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, delivery teams, and external system integrators to support project implementation and system commissioning.
• Liaise with SCADA vendors and operational users to define service level requirements and ensure quality assurance during data integration.
• Provide second-tier technical support for SCADA and OT data-related issues, helping to resolve complex technical problems.

Governance, Compliance & Technical Oversight:

• Define and enforce data configuration and integration standards across systems.
• Support the creation of technical documentation, commissioning reports, and snagging outputs post-deployment.
• Develop and maintain business processes and roadmaps for OT data systems and archives.
• Provide technical input to tender processes and assess solutions from a commercial and quality perspective.

Base location – Hybrid – Sewage Treatment Works, Reading

Working pattern – 36 hours, Monday to Friday

What you should bring to the role:

Essential Experience:

• Experience in engineering roles covering SCADA, database programming, and OT data architecture.
• Proven technical problem-solving capability, particularly under time and operational pressures.
• Experience supporting SCADA and historian systems, including Wonderware, ClearSCADA, Aveva PI, and Oracle.
• Strong understanding of software development practices, including .NET, C#, and test-driven development.
• Experience managing structured/unstructured data sets and stream processing in live OT environments.
• Familiarity with telemetry protocols such as DNP3, WITS DNP3, Modbus, and MQTT.
• Solid understanding of virtualised environments and secure IP communications (LAN, WAN, VPN).

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• HNC or equivalent in a relevant technical field (Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, etc.).
• Experience supporting relational database systems (e.g. SQL, Oracle, PI Historian).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and VISIO for reporting and documentation.
• Strong technical report writing skills.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and technical communication skills.

Desirable Experience:

• Background in the water industry or a similar utility sector.
• Experience managing technical support in fast-paced project environments.
• Experience in internal/external customer relationship management.

Desirable Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in OT operations or asset delivery in the water sector.
• Familiarity with OT methodologies, digital transformation strategies, and asset-centric data solutions.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business-friendly language.
• Awareness of cyber-physical systems and critical infrastructure resilience.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of 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.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.