RTS Commissioning Engineer

Closing Date

Job Title: RTS Commissioning Engineer

Location: Otterbourne

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 per week

Salary: from £45k

This is an exciting opportunity to join Southern Water’s RTS (Real Time Systems) Team, a specialist group at the heart of delivering critical operational technology that keeps our water and wastewater services running safely, reliably and efficiently.

About the role

As an RTS Commissioning Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering and commissioning major CAPEX projects and supporting the replacement, upgrade and modernisation of control systems across our estate. You’ll work hands‑on with cutting‑edge PLC, SCADA, telemetry and automation technologies, helping shape how our systems operate today and evolve for tomorrow.

We’re looking for someone with a can‑do mindset, a fresh and innovative approach, and the confidence to build strong working relationships across contractors, colleagues and project teams. If you enjoy solving complex problems, influencing technical outcomes and working with great people, this role will offer huge variety and impact.

What you will be responsible for

You’ll be a central part of a high‑performing engineering function, supporting the delivery, commissioning and optimisation of Operational Technology (OT) solutions across the region.

• Provide commissioning support across multiple CAPEX‑funded projects and contribute to the Obsolescence & Standardisation strategy.
• Assist in the delivery of PLC, SCADA and telemetry replacement schemes, ensuring high‑quality technical execution.
• Complete small PLC/HMI upgrades and migrations while supporting contractors delivering larger, complex upgrades.
• Support response and resolution of complex, long‑duration control system failures on water and wastewater sites.
• Contribute to technical solution appraisals to help advance RTS strategy and innovation.
• Build strong, effective working relationships with contractors, colleagues and key stakeholders across the business.
• Monitor and report project progress, risks and variances to stakeholders.
• Ensure internal standards, compliance and systems requirements are fully met during project delivery.

Additional Requirements specific to the role

• Regional travel across Hampshire and surrounding areas is required.
• The role involves working with operational technology on live water and wastewater sites.
• No formal line management responsibility but strong people influencing and relationship‑building skills are essential.

What you’ll bring to the role

We’re looking for someone who is technically capable, highly proactive, and brilliant at building collaborative relationships — someone who can bring energy, innovation and a solutions‑focused attitude.

Essential

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand and assure complex, inter‑dependent project plans.
• Significant experience in fault finding, calibration, testing, programming and diagnosing complex OT and control system issues (PLC, SCADA, telemetry, flow measurement).
• Experience delivering process improvements through control system enhancements.
• Highly flexible and engaging interpersonal style with strong stakeholder management ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• At least HNC in electronic or electrical engineering (or equivalent) plus current Electrical Installation Regulations qualification.

Desirable

• HND or degree in electronic/electrical engineering.
• Experience in a process or industrial environment (5+ years).
• Apprenticeship background within water utilities or a similar industry.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. 

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself) 

Our Commitment to Diversity 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

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