We are looking for a technically driven, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. You will work alongside engineering teams, operational stakeholders, system integrators, and suppliers to lead the successful development, deployment, and lifecycle management of Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) applications critical to Thames Water’s Operational Technology (OT) landscape.

We are seeking an OT RTU Development Engineer to manage the full lifecycle of RTU application solutions across Thames Water’s networks. This includes the design, configuration, optimisation, and support of standardised RTU architectures to enable secure, resilient, and scalable telemetry and automation systems across thousands of assets.

What you’ll do as an OT RTU Development Engineer

RTU Application Development & Lifecycle Management:

• Lead the design, build, and configuration of standardised RTU application solutions.
• Develop and maintain RTU firmware libraries, templates, and configurations.
• Define and manage RTU upgrade processes to ensure maintainability and security.
• Oversee RTU release management and conformance testing.

Technical Leadership:

• Execute full software development lifecycle for RTU applications.
• Write clean, testable code using IEC 61131 languages and related platforms.
• Validate firmware and communication protocols through rigorous testing.
• Support the development of RTU architecture and integration frameworks.

Project Support & Collaboration:

• Support internal capital delivery and OT project teams with RTU technical input.
• Work with system integrators and vendors to deploy and optimise RTU solutions.
• Provide second-tier technical support and fault diagnostics for RTU installations.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement:

• Translate business and operational requirements into RTU technical specifications.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to align RTU functionality with operational needs.
• Coordinate with RTU vendors to ensure solution compatibility and future-readiness.
• Manage RTU-specific documentation, standards, and training content.

Quality, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure RTU systems are robust, secure, and aligned with industry and internal standards.
• Support the definition and enforcement of RTU addressing strategies and cybersecurity measures.
• Contribute to internal tender evaluations and the technical assessment of new RTU products.

Base location – Hybrid – Hampton Coal Wharf

Working pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday

What you should bring to the role:

Essential Experience:

• Experience in RTU programming, configuration, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrable experience in RTU system deployment and maintenance in operational environments.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and fault resolution capabilities.
• Experience in balancing competing priorities and making technical decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Proven background working with SCADA and OT systems in utilities or similar industries.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• HND or equivalent in a technical discipline (Electrical, Control Systems, Automation).
• Proficiency in RTU & SCADA platforms such as Serck, Schneider, Brodersen, Rockwell, Xylem, ClearSCADA, Wonderware, and FT View.
• Programming knowledge of IEC 61131-3 (LD, FBD, SFC, ST, IL) and structured industrial software development.
• Strong understanding of telemetry protocols (DNP3, WITS DNP3, Modbus, MQTT).
• Familiarity with Windows OS, virtualisation, and cyber-secure network architectures (IP, VPN, LAN/WAN).
• Experience with relational databases and historian platforms (e.g., Oracle, SQL, PI, Wonderware Historian).
• Excellent documentation and technical report writing skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in customer relationship management.
• Strong understanding of OT in water, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and technical project demands.

Desirable Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in operational water industry or OT system delivery.
• Knowledge of OT system methodologies, architectures, and standards.
• Ability to communicate technical content in simplified, business-relevant language.
• Awareness of cyber-physical systems in critical infrastructure.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with service (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Benefits for health, wellbeing, and finances, including health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work, vouchers, and life assurance

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. We aim to build a better future by supporting our customers, communities, and the environment. We seek passionate, skilled people committed to making a difference.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water offers a diverse, rewarding environment with opportunities for career growth, flexible working, and excellent benefits. Join us if you want to make a difference and help protect water resources for future generations.

We value diversity and inclusion and support applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage early applications as the vacancy may close early due to high interest.