About the role:
We are currently seeking an experienced RTU Development Engineer to be part of a team that provides 24x7 technical support to the operational area of Thames Water. The Operational Technology team is ultimately responsible for the reliability and continuity of the essential services that provide the eyes and ears of Thames Water production and wastewater treatment.
The variety and diversity of the different systems that are used to manage data at Thames Water means that no two days are the same and that there is a constant challenge on the technical problem-solving skills that are needed. Often the responses that are needed are not only urgent but operationally critical so you will need to be able to think on your feet and react quickly.
The Operational Technology (OT) RTU Development Engineer will be an experienced technical RTU Applications Subject Matter Expert (SME) with responsibility for managing RTU solutions throughout their lifecycle including requirements, design, build, deployment integration, optimisation, and the design, testing associated with business improvements.
In this role you will:
- Lead the development of the RTU solutions to ensure they incorporate the features required to support operational control and monitoring requirements.
- Manage and develop RTU standard communications architectures to integrate with TW network infrastructure.
- Develop upgrade processes and procedures for RTU solutions to ensure the operational RTUs remain maintainable, secure, and in manufacturer's support.
- Manage and maintain the RTU standard configuration library.
- Validate firmware updates for Standard RTU solutions including conformance testing and integration tests.
- Provide technical support to wider OT service and maintenance teams.
- Liaise with key stakeholders, translating business requirements into RTU configurations and functions.
- Provide technical support for the development and maintenance of the OT standards and procedures.
- Project manage developments, executing full software development lifecycle.
- Write well-designed, testable, efficient code to internal standards.
- Produce specifications and maintenance documentation.
- Integrate software components into a fully functional software system.
- Develop software test specifications and quality assurance procedures.
- Liaise with operational stakeholders, System integrators, and RTU vendors to assist technical support, quality, and performance management
- Assess and review the latest RTU systems in the market.
- Provide technical support for delivery teams (internal and external)
To be successful you will have the following skills and experience:
- Educated to HND/degree level or equivalent experience (computer software/computer systems engineering, electronics)
- Direct experience in technical RTU programming, installation, and maintenance.
- Experience in dealing with conflicting demands and prioritising tasks in a reactive decision-making environment.
- Proven technical problem solver with the ability to make balanced decisions considering technical risks and project demands.
- Proven experience in programming and maintaining RTU & SCADA systems including platforms such as Serck, Schneider Electric, Xylem, Brodersen, Rockwell, Wonderware System Platform, WW Intouch, AB FT View ClearSCADA, and various HMI platforms.
- Experience in software engineering in industrial programming IEC 61131 including Ladder Diagram (LD) Sequential Function Charts (SFC) Function Block Diagram (FBD) Structured Text (ST) Instruction List (IL) and other similar programming languages is essential, alongside having previously worked with test-driven development.
- A good knowledge of Windows operating systems, Virtualisation is essential.
- Familiarity with telemetry protocols inc DNP3, WITS DNP3, Modbus, MQTT is essential
- A good knowledge of IP communications, LAN, WAN, VPN, and mobile communications is essential.
- Familiar in software development methodology and release processes is essential
- Technical report writing is essential.
What’s in it for you?
This role will be based at an operational site close to home. We are offering a salary of up to £49,000 (if based outside M25) and £53,000 (if based inside M25) depending on experience and qualifications. This role attracts a car allowance of £4,500.
Participation in a 24/7 Out of Hours Standby rota (typically 1 week in 4) will be required after a suitable period of training and assessment, for which you will receive an additional payment.
Our competitive salary package includes an excellent contributory pension, 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service, and a wider benefits scheme. This includes an annual pay review, season ticket loans, voucher scheme giving you money off in major retail outlets, loyalty awards for continuous service plus much more, including our referral scheme, where you can receive £750 for helping someone get a permanent position within the company.
We’re also proud to be here for our local community, offering everyone two days paid volunteer leave a year, as well as proudly supporting a lot of local events and charities.
Click here to find out more about working at Thames Water
About Us
Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to millions of customers by supplying 2.7 billion litres of world-class water to around 10 million homes.
As our world changes, the need to take care of our most precious resource is greater than ever, both locally and globally. That’s why, at Thames Water, every one of our actions, big and small, matters every day. Water is essential to daily life, and that means our business is always open. We’re passionate about providing world-class tap water, now and for the future.
We’re also turning waste into power, self-generating 20% of the energy we use and, in turn, doing our bit for the planet. We’re reducing plastic waste by celebrating our tap water and rolling out an ambitious water fountain project. We’re using our voice to lobby for change and partnering with WaterAid to provide clean water to the world’s poorest communities.
Together, we’re building a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work. If you join our team, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and unparalleled benefits. We’re also proud to be an equal opportunity employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion, and Disability Confident Leader, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and leading the way with award-winning mental health and well-being strategy.