Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Are you a Data Engineer looking for a new role?

We're recruiting for a Data Engineer on a 12 month (maternity cover) to join our Data and Modelling team based in Exeter.

Alongside a range of benefits, we'll offer you a competitive salary, with hybrid working arrangements.

About the role:

This role sits within the Data and Modelling team, supporting operational and regulatory data needs across the business. The team maintain a large estate of automated data pipelines and provide data engineering support to internal teams.

What you'll be doing:

• Daily retrieval of data (pressure and flow) via Python scripts from a third party analytics platform.

• Weekly execution of FME alarm pipelines, including outflow volume and service trigger alarms - some of which require manual initiation from SCADA-generated notifications.

• Promptly actioning DMA boundary requests to ensure network definitions remain accurate and up-to-date.

• Weekly defect-fixing for an operational management application - tackling bugs that affect live operations.

• Early-stage scoping and development of FME workspaces for an asset data migration project.

• On-going data engineering support for IT-led systems integration programme.

• Data extraction and file management tasks to support the team.

• Ad-hoc data requests from the business using SQL, SME and Python.

• Ongoing documentation of the FME workspace estate.

What we're looking for:

• Solid working knowledge of FME server and FME desktop - able to build, maintain and troubleshoot workspaces independently.

• SQL server skills (for ad-hoc data queries and extracts)

• Python scripting for data retrieval, processing and automation.

• Methodical approach to operational monitoring - comfortable owning a live pipeline estate and responding to failures.

• Ability to read and understand existing code and processes.

• Familiarity with Esri/GIS platforms.

• Familiarity with SCADA or operational telemetry data (desirable).

• Experience working in a water utility or regulated infrastructure environment (desirable).

What's in it for you:

• Hybrid working arrangements to offer more flexibility.

• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus Bank Holidays and the ability to buy and sell holiday.

• Competitive company pension scheme.

• Access to thousands of discounts and savings through Pennon Perks.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• 24/7 support through our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Ongoing development and training.

Closing Date: 3rd June 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.