Job Opportunity: Control & Automation Engineer
Location: Field-based across the North West (Base: Lostock or South Warrington)
Organisation: United Utilities (FTSE 100 Company)
At United Utilities (UU), we’re proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. Diversity, inclusion, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves.
Our mission is clear: to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener, healthier, North West of England. We’re committed to protecting the environment, supporting the economy, and creating long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities.
Why Join Us?
Joining UU means becoming part of a thriving FTSE 100 company with outstanding benefits designed to recognise your contribution:
* 🌴 Generous annual leave: 26 days + 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 4 years)
* 💰 Competitive pension scheme: Up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined) + life cover
* 🎯 Performance-related bonus: 10.5% plus recognition awards for outstanding achievements
* 🏥 Comprehensive healthcare plan: Company-funded private scheme for peace of mind
* 📞 Standby rota allowance: Additional payments for callouts
The Role
We are looking for a Control & Automation Field Engineer to provide industrial control and automation (C&A) maintenance and engineering support across our water and wastewater operations.
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring the security of supplies, delivering the best quality water and wastewater services, and keeping our operational assets performing at their best.
Key Responsibilities
* Diagnose and rectify faults on automation systems, IP networks, instrumentation, telemetry, and field bus systems
* Deliver efficient C&A maintenance and installation services to meet safety, quality, and performance standards
* Carry out planned maintenance (e.g., PLC backup batteries/software updates and ensuring all equipment software/ configuration is backed up to a defined standard)
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and company policies
* Optimise control systems and improve performance
* Train and assess apprentices and colleagues to build technical expertise
* Provide accurate asset performance data to support analysis and improvements
* Issuing and administration of the ICA authorisation permits.
* Occasional collaboration with capital/ operational projects
* Participate in a callout rota (1 in 6)
What We’re Looking For
* 🎓 Formal Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship + HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation, or alternative qualification (e.g. degree) with appropriate extensive experience.
* 🔧 Strong knowledge of PLCs (legacy and current), SCADA, HMI, telemetry devices, and communication networks
* 📡 Understanding of Fieldbus, IP-based networks, and radio systems
* 🔐 Awareness of Information Security best practices
* 🚗 Full UK driving licence
* 🛠️ Experience of fault diagnosis and rectification on automations systems
* 💡Proactive, motivated, and able to work independently or within a team
👉 If you’re passionate about engineering, problem-solving, and contributing to a greener future, we’d love to hear from you.
We may be unable to offer sponsorship for this position.