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.

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 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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

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.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. 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.