Instrumentation, Control & Automation

We are currently seeking an experienced ICA (Instrumentation, Control & Automation) Engineer to join our team covering the Thames Valley East region, including Reading, Newbury, and Bourne End.

This is a key technical leadership role, focused on optimising asset performance, driving efficiency, and resolving complex ICA challenges across our water network.

As an ICA Engineer, you’ll lead the delivery of high-quality maintenance, upgrades, and fault resolution across a wide range of systems.

You’ll also work collaboratively with internal teams and external contractors to ensure that all work meets safety, technical, and regulatory standards.

What you will be doing as an ICA Engineer

• Act as a technical lead for ICA systems in your region, addressing complex faults, supporting technicians and offering ICA insight and recommendations to both operations and project team.
• Reduce flatline and repeat alarms, support alarm rationalisation, and identify root causes to improve asset performance.
• Proactively identify and raise risks related to ageing or underperforming assets and help secure funding for upgrades including parts procurement.
• Plan and support HMI and PLC upgrades, ensuring all changes are properly documented and implemented.
• Support training and mentoring of ICA Technicians, providing hands-on guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Monitor planned and reactive maintenance (Mandat, PPMs, NEDMs), escalating risks of non-compliance where needed.
• Produce site-specific troubleshooting guides and manuals to assist future fault resolution.
• Supervise and audit contractors and team members to ensure compliance with health and safety and company procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop safe work method statements for all activities.
• Identify and deliver cost-effective technical improvements to site systems and processes.
• Engage with the Licence to Operate (LTO) programme.

Base Location: Due to the nature of this role, you will work across several water production sites in the Thames Valley East area, including Reading (RG2 0SF), Newbury (RG14 1RT) and Bourne End (SL8 5NT)

Working Pattern: 38 Hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 3:36pm

Car Allowance, all PPE and tools are provided.

What should you bring to the role?

• Proven experience working with PLCs (preferably Allen-Bradley), SCADA systems, communication networks, and instrumentation. (flow, level, pressure, etc.).
• Knowledge of variable speed drives (VSDs) and motor control methods.
• HNC or higher in a related engineering discipline.
• 18th Edition wiring regulations (BS7671) qualification and 3-phase electrical knowledge are advantageous.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving skills and a drive to resolve issues the first time.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and stakeholders.
• Passion for continuous improvement, technical development, and delivering exceptional service.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary package up to £60,000 per annum with car allowance, depending on skills and experience.
• Annual Leave: 26 days per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Contributory Pension: Defined Contribution scheme with up to 12% employer contribution (2x employee contribution).
• Personal Medical Assessments: Available annually to all employees.
• Benefits on Tap: Access to discounts, cashback, and instant vouchers.
• Generous Paternity Leave: 4 weeks paid, plus an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
• Enhanced Maternity Leave: 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
• Performance Development: Ongoing reviews to support your growth and success.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

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 Wate r

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.