Water and Engineering

15th March 2024

How do you get an engineer to do something you want them to do? Tell them it's "impossible."

We have 9,000 miles of water mains to manage and maintain. Like the human body, these hidden arteries pump water to homes and businesses across our region, most buried deep beneath roads.

Our engineers work around the clock to maintain, repair and enhance our network.

Let's meet some of South East Water’s engineers!

Charles - Lead Process Engineer

“My job involves leading a team of Water Treatment Process Engineers, primarily providing technical input and oversight to define efficient and optimised solutions for new and upgraded water treatment works.

Our team works closely with other teams in the business, such as Operations, Assets, and Water Quality/Process Science, to achieve our design-related goals.

We collaboratively update South East Water's design standards to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance, optimal efficiency and, ultimately, the provision of safe and high-quality drinking water for our customers.”

Andy - Senior Site Meica Engineer

“The Senior Site MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation) engineer role involves leading a small team of commissioning engineers and overseeing the delivery of all engineering projects.

The primary responsibility of the role and team is to ensure that projects are delivered to the agreed solution through Site Acceptance Testing and to our internal and industry standards.

We're also a portal between the Production and Project teams, arranging site testing, training, and defect resolution.”

Lee - Lead Construction Engineer

“In my current position, I manage all the technical domains within the Engineering department. I work with the teams to support the delivery of safe, efficient and innovative solutions as part of the ongoing capital delivery programme.

I joined South East Water as a direct employee in 2015 as a Senior Electrical Engineer; before that, I was an electrical engineer for two engineering consultants.

For both of my previous consultant roles, I supported MKW/SEW with their engineering capital delivery over several years. Most of my engagements have been based at the leading head office site. This year, I've been working in and around South East Water for 26 years!

I started my engineering career by joining the industry as a Trainee Electrical Technician. I trained for my qualifications whilst working through a company-based, supported professional development programme.

Working in Engineering can develop an exciting and fulfilling career. No matter how many years of experience you have, there is always something new to learn, and this industry element has kept me engaged and driven to develop in my field.”

Working in Engineering can develop an exciting and fulfilling career.

Craig - Technician Engineer

“I currently hold a Technical Engineering position in South East Water. I am involved in organising and delivering the removal and remedial works of all Reservoir and Potable Water Storage assets for South East Water.

This is within the technical team of the engineering department. I work with different departments within the business to support the delivery of this project within the capital delivery programme.

I joined South East Water as a direct employee in 2019 as an Apprentice Technical Engineer. My main office is the Head Office, but I primarily work out on site, overseeing the ongoing works and site management specifics. I have been based at the Snodland head office site.

I started my engineering career as a mechanical engineer within the CNC Fabrication industry. I received my diplomas in this field before transitioning into civil engineering, completing my apprenticeship and diploma, and then stepping into the Technical Engineer role. I want to progress in my career and achieve a high status within the industry.

Working in the Engineering department and field is an ever-changing industry that poses challenges but does lead to a level of job satisfaction when overcoming these challenges.

There is scope for progression, and a key point is continuous learning and keeping up with industry changes. It is a career that can help you achieve what you want to achieve.”

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