Automation Technician - Utilities (Water)

Role Overview

This position blends hands-on industrial automation engineering with the operational oversight of an integrated smart water metering network. You will be responsible for keeping both factory-floor control systems and field-deployed metering infrastructure running reliably, from commissioning new equipment to diagnosing faults and maintaining accurate technical records. Your work directly supports the organisation’s ability to monitor water usage accurately, respond to irregularities quickly, and maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out the installation, configuration, and initial commissioning of automated machinery and control systems, ensuring everything operates to specification.
• Diagnose and resolve faults in automated equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and related control networks, minimising downtime.
• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance and calibration routines on automation hardware, sensors, and instrumentation to sustain performance and extend asset life.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to refine existing automation processes, propose design improvements, and validate that new or modified systems function correctly under real operating conditions.
• Coordinate on-site implementation of assigned activities in line with approved designs, technical standards, and project schedules, while maintaining accurate as-built records and site documentation.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of tender documents, technical specifications, and quantity schedules, and support bid evaluations and contract administration.
• Keep asset registers, maintenance logs, and technical documentation up to date to support effective asset management, audits, and compliance reporting.
• Connect water meters to smart electricity meters to enable full smart metering functionality, then verify communication links and data integrity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues affecting smart meters, water meter connections, and their peripheral communication equipment in the field.
• Administer and monitor the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) platform, including routine maintenance to ensure the entire system performs optimally.
• Conduct site visits to verify and reconcile meter readings, investigate potential tampering or theft, and manage meter inventory and related materials.
• Collect and report field data to support network optimisation for the integrated metering system, flagging anomalies or performance trends.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, automation, or a closely related field, obtained from a recognised institution.
• At least three years’ professional experience in designing, operating, and maintaining industrial automation systems, with proven practical ability in PLCs, HMIs, and control system troubleshooting.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude with meticulous attention to detail, particularly when diagnosing intermittent faults or reconciling meter discrepancies.
• Familiarity with smart metering concepts, communication protocols, and data platforms is highly desirable.
• Professional membership with a relevant engineering or technical body will be considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, environmental standards, and regulatory compliance in all technical activities.