PLC Project Engineer

Summary: Are you a seasoned automation professional ready to step out of the daily maintenance loop and take the reins on a major, high-impact industrial transformation? We are looking for a PLC Project Engineer to serve as our ultimate go-to expert and Technical Authority for an ambitious, multi-site PLC replacement programme. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, you will act as the crucial bridge connecting Project Management, Engineering, Operations, IT, and external contractors to turn high-level strategy into on-the-ground execution. The PLC Project Engineer will serve as the technical authority and go to expert for a multi site PLC replacement programme. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, you will bridge the gap between project management, Engineering, Operations, IT and external contractors. Your mission is to ensure the safe, secure, and seamless execution of the PLC replacement lifecycle, from initial site surveys and drafting technical specifications for contract Works Information, to overseeing contractor delivery and ensuring strict compliance with NIS Regulations / IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards. Although this role offers flexible/hybrid working (office/home), you will be expected to travel to any location or site within South East Water's supply areas, as required, as part of the project(s) you are working on e.g. pre-construction and construction phase elements such as scoping or Contractor progress/design review meetings, defect reviews etc. Main responsibilities: Site Survey and Scope Definition• Lead and carry out detailed physical and desktop site surveys (including panels/MCCs, I/O and signal schedules, network architecture, and wiring diagrams). • Identify engineering gaps (e.g., missing drawings, legacy software backups, access constraints) and develop mitigation strategies before work is contracted. • Assess the complexity, urgency, and shutdown constraints of nominated legacy PLC assets to help the project team sequence the rollout strategy. Technical Authority & Contract Specification• Feed robust technical specifications and scope requirements into contract documents and Works Information packages for tendering and contractor execution. • Act as the primary point of contact for all technical queries, design reviews, and engineering decisions relating to the PLC replacement programme. • Review and approve contractor design submissions, including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), ensuring they align with company standards, operational requirements, and the agreed scope of work. • Contribute to the development and refinement of OT standards procedures, and best practices. • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in operational technology, recommending improvements and innovative solutions. • Act as an internal consultant, providing expert advice and technical guidance on OT-related projects and initiatives. NIS Regulations & OT Security Assurance• Ensure all contractor deliverables, network architectures, and PLC/HMI deployments strictly adhere to NIS Regulations and secure-by-design (IEC 62443) principles. • Coordinate with IT/Cybersecurity teams to implement secure network prerequisites (managed switches, IP addressing, comms proving, and firewall rules). • Verify and compile the necessary cyber/OT assurance evidence required for final regulatory sign-off. Shutdown Planning & Execution Support• Collaborate with the project team and Operations to plan shutdown sequences, identifying what works can be pre-commissioned vs. what must occur during outages. • Review and validate contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements. • Support staged replacement approaches (e.g., dual-running/temporary solutions) and rollback plans. Testing, Commissioning & Handover• Support testing and commissioning of new or modified OT systems to verify functionality and reliability. • Witness, review, and sign off on Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). • Actively manage the technical defect log, ensuring the contractor remediates issues prior to final handover. • Ensure the contractor delivers accurate as-builts, redlines, updated loop drawings, software backups, and O&M manuals to hand over to the Operations teams. • Capture lessons learned and feed improvements into subsequent site deliveries. Safety and Compliance:• Ensure all work is conducted in strict adherence to health and safety regulations, company policies, and relevant industry standards. • Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with OT systems to ensure a safe working environment. • Maintain accurate records of all activities for audit and compliance purposes. You'll need: Skills / Qualifications / Experience• HNC (Higher National Certificate) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering or technical discipline. • A professional technical qualification issued by recognised institutions or major PLC...