Control and automation field engineer

United Utilities; Ulverston; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Competitive pension

5% performance-rel...

Company-funded healthcare plan

Inclusion, innovation & learning

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Controls & Automation Field Engineer to join our team at Haverthwaite Wastewater Treatment Works in Cumbria. You will maintain and enhance industrial control systems, ensuring safety, reliability and efficiency of water services across our network.

With an Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship and a relevant HNC/HND, you will diagnose faults across PLCs, SCADA, HMI and telemetry, and participate in 24/7 standby on a rota.

Qualifications

• Completed Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship.
• HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation (or equivalent).
• 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.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to pass a colour vision assessment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver efficient C&A maintenance, repairs and installations across 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 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 asset performance data to drive smarter decisions.
• Identify recurring issues and propose 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 and contribute to capital and operational projects.

Skills

PLC programming

Fieldbus & IP networks

SCADA/HMI/Telemetry

Industrial communication

Education

Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship

HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

SCADA software

Job description

Job number UU06061 Country United Kingdom Region Cumbria Location name Haverthwaite Wastewater Treatment Works, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AE Posting End Date 16/10/2026 Band 4b Role Type Permanent Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary Competitive

About us

About us

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.

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.