Control and automation field engineer

United Utilities; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plan

Competitive pension

Job summary

United Utilities in Lancaster, Cumbria is seeking a Controls & Automation Field Engineer to maintain and improve industrial control and automation systems across water and wastewater assets. You will work on PLCs, SCADA, HMI and telemetry, with flexible core hours (8–4) and a standby rota.

Travel across the North West may be required; join a collaborative engineering team focused on safe, reliable service. This role prioritises safety, quality and continuous improvement, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship in electrical or instrumentation required, with hands-on field experience.
• HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation or equivalent.
• Experience with PLC programming (Siemens or Allen-Bradley) and SCADA/HMI systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve industrial control and automation systems across water and wastewater assets.
• Diagnose faults on PLCs, SCADA, HMI, telemetry and communication systems.
• Carry out planned maintenance and ensure secure backups of configurations.
• Support standby rota and field service activities across the North West.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA & HMI

Fieldbus & networks

Driving licence

Education

Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship

HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Industrial networks

Job description

Controls & Automation Field Engineer

Location: Lancaster / Cumbria / Kendall (Field‑based with flexibility)

Core hours: 8–4 with flexible working | Standby rota required

Help us keep the North West flowing

At United Utilities, we don’t just supply water we support the health, wellbeing and prosperity of millions of people across the North West. As a proud FTSE 100 company and ranked

About Us

About us

Controls & Automation Field Engineer

Location: Lancaster / Cumbria / Kendall (Field‑based with flexibility)

Core hours: 8–4 with flexible working | Standby rota required

Help us keep the North West flowing

At United Utilities, we don’t just supply water we support the health, wellbeing and prosperity of millions of people across the North West. As a proud FTSE 100 company and ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can grow, excel and truly belong.

We’re investing heavily in the future of water, wastewater and environmental resilience. Now we’re looking for a skilled Controls & Automation Field Engineer to help us protect essential services, optimise our assets and keep our region running smoothly.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a supportive, forward‑thinking engineering community with access to exceptional benefits, including:

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 after four years, plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• 5% performance‑related bonus and recognition awards
• Company‑funded healthcare plan
• A culture built on inclusion, innovation and continuous learning
  

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll play a vital role in maintaining and improving the industrial control and automation systems that keep our water and wastewater services safe, reliable and efficient. Every day will bring new challenges across our production, catchment, drainage and network operations.

You will:

• Deliver efficient C&A maintenance, repairs and installations across a wide range of operational assets
• Diagnose and resolve faults on PLCs, SCADA, HMI, telemetry and communication systems
• Carry out planned maintenance, including PLC battery changes and software updates
• Ensure all control system configurations are securely backed up
• Optimise automation systems to improve performance and reliability
• Administer C&A authorisation permits and ensure safe working practices
• Support and mentor apprentices and fellow field service engineers
• Provide accurate asset performance data to help drive smarter decision‑making
• Identify recurring issues and recommend long‑term solutions
• Ensure critical spares are available and support investment planning
• Participate in a 24/7 standby rota (approx. 5 times per month)
• Work independently when required and contribute to capital and operational projects

What We’re Looking For

You’ll bring strong technical expertise, a proactive mindset and a commitment to safety and quality. We’re looking for someone with:

• A completed Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship
• HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation (or equivalent experience)
• Experience with PLC programming (Siemens or Allen‑Bradley preferred)
• Knowledge of Fieldbus, IP‑based networks and radio communication systems
• Working knowledge of SCADA, HMI, telemetry and industrial communication basics
• Understanding of information security best practice
• A full UK driving licence
• Ability to pass a colour vision assessment
• Experience in water, food processing or similar industrial environments is beneficial

You’ll need to live within a reasonable distance for standby response.

Make a real impact

This is your chance to use your technical expertise to protect essential services, support environmental sustainability and help shape the future of water in the North West. You’ll join a team that values your ideas, invests in your development and celebrates your success.

The interview format for this role will involve a practical fault finding exercise.