IOT Digital Twin Delivery Support Contractor

Location Hybrid, with regular travel to wastewater treatment works across the region Contract Duration Initial 6-month contract with potential extension based on programme requirements and performance. Ideal Candidate This role would suit a Senior OT/IoT Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Automation Engineer, or MEICA Engineer with strong OT and digital transformation experience who can bridge the gap between operational assets, control systems, and Digital Twin deployment requirements Role Purpose The OT/IoT Digital Twin Delivery Support Contractor will provide specialist Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), instrumentation, automation, and MEICA engineering expertise to support the successful deployment of Digital Twin capabilities across 33 wastewater treatment works. The role will ensure sites are technically ready for Digital Twin implementation by identifying infrastructure gaps, defining upgrade requirements, assuring engineering designs, supporting commissioning activities, and ensuring integration with operational technology environments is delivered safely, securely, and in accordance with company standards. The contractor will act as a key technical interface between operational teams, engineering partners, OT specialists, system integrators, and programme delivery teams. Key Responsibilities Site Readiness & Technical Assessments

• Conduct site readiness assessments across Digital Twin deployment locations.
• Review existing instrumentation, PLCs, SCADA systems, MCCs, control panels, telemetry and field assets.
• Identify gaps in instrumentation, automation, electrical infrastructure and network connectivity that may impact Digital Twin functionality.
• Assess control philosophies and operational strategies to determine suitability for Digital Twin optimisation.
• Validate site survey outputs and challenge technical assumptions where required.
• Support the development of site-specific upgrade recommendations and deployment plans Upgrade Definition & Technical Specification
• Develop practical and cost-effective solutions to address identified infrastructure gaps.
• Produce technical specifications for instrumentation, sensors, analysers and monitoring assets.
• Define actuator, variable speed drive (VSD) and motor control upgrade requirements.
• Specify PLC, I/O, control system and panel modifications required to support Digital Twin capability.
• Support definition of OT network and communications requirements.
• Review supplier proposals, quotations and technical submissions for suitability and compliance.
• Support technology trials, sensor proof-of-concept activities and innovation deployments. Design Review & Technical Assurance
• Review and challenge designs produced by engineering consultants, system integrators and delivery partners.
• Ensure designs meet Digital Twin functional and data requirements.
• Verify compliance with OT, electrical, instrumentation and engineering design standards.
• Review control strategies, alarms, interlocks, fail-safe mechanisms and operational safeguards.
• Support technical approval, governance and assurance activities throughout the design lifecycle.
• Ensure process safety and operational resilience are maintained throughout implementation. Delivery & Commissioning Support
• Support planning and coordination of site installation activities.
• Witness installation, testing and commissioning activities where required.
• Verify instrumentation configuration, calibration and signal quality.
• Validate actuator performance and control system functionality.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
• Assist with fault investigation, troubleshooting and technical issue resolution.
• Ensure commissioning evidence and installation records are accurately captured and retained. OT & Control Systems Integration
• Review proposed PLC modifications and software changes.
• Support SCADA, HMI and telemetry change reviews.
• Ensure Digital Twin integrations align with OT architecture and operational requirements.
• Support secure integration of new devices and data sources into OT environments.
• Assist with future Digital Twin write-back readiness assessments.
• Contribute to the development of governance controls, watchdog functionality, resilience measures and fail-safe operating arrangements. Standards, Governance & Compliance
• Support technical governance processes including Sensor Governance Board approvals.
• Ensure all solutions comply with OT, cyber security and engineering standards.
• Support production and maintenance of technical documentation and engineering records.
• Assist with management of technical risks, assumptions, issues, constraints and dependencies.
• Contribute to the development of repeatable standards, templates and deployment methodologies for future Digital Twin rollouts. Key Deliverables The contractor will support the production and assurance of:
• Site readiness assessments.
• Instrumentation and automation gap analyses.
• Digital Twin upgrade specifications.
• Sensor evaluation and trial reports.
• Instrumentation standards and technical guidance documents.
• Procurement and supplier technical specifications.
• PLC, panel and control system upgrade specifications.
• FAT and SAT documentation.
• Commissioning and validation reports.
• Technical assurance and design review outputs.
• Site acceptance recommendations.
• OT change control submissions.
• As-built engineering documentation.
• Deployment wave planning and technical delivery inputs. Essential Skills & Experience
• Strong experience in Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), or automation engineering environments.
• Experience working within water, wastewater, utilities, manufacturing, or process industries.
• Practical knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, instrumentation and control systems.
• Understanding of electrical, mechanical and process engineering interfaces within operational environments.
• Experience reviewing engineering designs and technical specifications.
• Understanding of commissioning, FAT/SAT and site acceptance processes.
• Knowledge of OT cyber security principles and secure system integration practices.
• Ability to engage effectively with operational, engineering and programme stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and technical assurance capabilities. Desirable Experience
• Experience supporting Digital Twin, IoT, Industry 4.0 or smart asset programmes.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and operational assets.
• Experience working with system integrators and engineering delivery partners.
• Familiarity with ISA/IEC industrial automation standards and OT governance frameworks.
• Experience supporting large-scale multi-site deployment programmes. Success Measures Success in the role will be demonstrated through:
• Technically assured upgrade specifications developed for all Digital Twin deployment sites.
• Clear definition and procurement of instrumentation and control system requirements.
• High-quality designs approved with minimal rework.
• Successful installation and commissioning with reduced defects and operational disruption.
• Delivery of reliable, high-quality data required to support Digital Twin functionality.
• Safe and secure operation of OT systems throughout deployment.
• Establishment of repeatable standards, templates and deployment approaches that support future Digital Twin rollouts.