Instrumentation Control Automation Graduate

Are you ready for a unique engineering opportunity? Our Industrial Control Automation Engineering Graduate Programme at Thames Water is all about setting you up for success, both now and in your future career. You’ll get hands-on experience through three rotations with world-class experts and major projects, all while working towards Chartership.

What you’ll be doing as an Industrial Control Automation Engineering Graduate
You’ll have the chance to explore three exciting placements across different areas of the business.

Here’s a taste of what you might get involved in:
Design and develop innovative solutions that tackle real-world challenges
Attend and represent the business at industry events, building your professional network and learning from sector leaders
Analyse data and manage projects to influence key decisions and deliver meaningful outcomes
Carry out asset inspections and condition assessments, gaining valuable hands-on, on-site experience
Support health & safety audits and environmental management to help create safe and sustainable outcomes
Contribute to risk assessments and stakeholder engagement, strengthening your communication and problem-solving skillsAcross your two‑year journey, you'll have the opportunities to:

Accelerate your business and personal growth through real-world development experiences
Build essential safety confidence with hands‑on health and safety training
Make a difference by getting involved in meaningful charity projects and personalised coaching
Expand your network through mentoring and collaboration with fellow graduates
Inspire future talent by becoming a STEM ambassadorAfter the programme, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your career, whether that’s moving into leadership or specialising in an area you're passionate about.

What you should bring to the role 
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
Working towards (or have achieved) a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following disciplines: Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Automation and Control Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering
Flexibility to travel across the Thames Valley region
A self-motivated, adaptable mindset confident in stepping into new environmentsWhat’s in it for you?

Starting Salary: Year 1 £32,000, Year 2 £34,000
Location: Hybrid, Reading, Clearwater Court. Expectation to travel across the Thames Valley region will be required
26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
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 assuranceFind out more about our Graduate recruitment process here

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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

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.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, 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