Senior Project 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 successful delivery of innovative Operational Technology (OT) projects that underpin Thames Water’s critical infrastructure.

We are seeking a Senior Project Engineer to manage the end-to-end execution of critical OT projects within Thames Water’s water and wastewater networks. This includes leading the planning, technical oversight, and delivery of systems such as SCADA, telemetry, PLCs, and industrial networks. You will play a key role in ensuring the safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery of OT projects that support our long-term digital transformation and operational resilience.

What you’ll do as a Senior Project Engineer
Project Management & Delivery:

• Lead the delivery of Operational Technology projects from planning through to handover.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, IT, engineering, and asset management.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, risk assessments, and project documentation standards.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide oversight across control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, and industrial networks.
• Uphold engineering design standards, cybersecurity practices, and industry regulations.
• Support FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) activities.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.
• Monitor financial performance, manage scope changes, and report on budget adherence.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage external suppliers, contractors, and system integrators to ensure quality and delivery.
• Conduct performance reviews and build strong, collaborative relationships with vendors.
• Act as liaison for internal stakeholders such as operations, procurement, and finance.

Quality, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure all projects meet health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Maintain adherence to statutory, quality, and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Base location – Hybrid – Sewage Treatment Works, Reading
Working pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday

What you should bring to the role:
Essential Experience:

• Experienced in project engineering or management within Operational Technology or Industrial Automation.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making ability under operational pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service focus.
• Ability to work independently, providing effective and efficient project delivery.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Instrumentation, or Control Systems or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA, PLCs, telemetry, ICS networks, and OT cyber security.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Proficiency in IT systems for reporting and project documentation.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Background in customer relationship management (internal/external).
• Knowledge of the water, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets and commercial performance.

Desirable Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• Certifications in PRINCE2, PMP, or APM.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 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.