Control and Automation Field Engineer

United Utilities; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company is seeking a Control & Automation Engineer to support water and wastewater operations across the North West of England. This field-based role involves diagnosing faults, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and optimizing control systems. Candidates should have formal apprenticeships and strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, and communication networks. A full UK driving license is required. Competitive benefits are offered, including a performance-related bonus and comprehensive healthcare plan.

Benefits

Generous annual leave: 26 days + 8 bank holidays

Competitive pension scheme

Performance-related bonus

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Standby rota allowance

Qualifications

• Formal Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship with appropriate extensive experience.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, HMI, telemetry devices, and communication networks.
• Experience of fault diagnosis and rectification on automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and rectify faults on automation systems, IP networks, and instrumentation.
• Deliver efficient C&A maintenance and installation services.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of PLCs

Fault diagnosis and rectification

Understanding of Fieldbus and IP networks

Proactive and motivated

Education

Formal Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship + HNC/HND

Tools

SCADA

Telemetry devices

HMI

Job description

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.