ICA Engineer

We are currently seeking an experienced ICA (Instrumentation, Control & Automation) Engineer to join our team covering the Thames Valley West region, including Oxford, Swindon, and the Cotswolds.

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 and supporting technicians.
• 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.
• Plan and support HMI and PLC upgrades, ensuring all changes are properly documented and implemented.
• Liaise with reservoir engineers to align planned outages with upgrade opportunities and manage parts procurement and installation with the ICA team.
• 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.
• Contribute to the planning and development of capital delivery projects, offering ICA insight and recommendations.
• Engage with the Licence to Operate (LTO) programme and participate in the out-of-hours rota after completing necessary training.

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 Electrical or mechanical field, or equivalent ICA Engineer. (current or previous experience )
• 18th Edition wiring regulations (BS7671) qualification and 3-phase electrical knowledge are advantageous.
• Physically fit, with the ability to work in confined spaces (training provided).
• 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 up to £62,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience, plus a car allowance on top.
• 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.
• Wider Benefits Scheme: Includes a benefits hub offering savings, wellbeing support, and exclusive offers.

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's 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 a 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. We aim 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.