Control & Automation Field Engineer

UNITED UTILITIES; North East; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in the UK is seeking a Control & Automation Field Engineer to support water and wastewater operations. The role involves diagnosing faults in automation systems, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and training apprentices. The position requires a strong background in PLCs, SCADA, and a formal apprenticeship. Benefits include generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and a performance-related bonus.

Benefits

Generous annual leave: 26 days + 8 bank holidays

Competitive pension scheme: Up to 14% employer contribution

Performance-related bonus: 10.5%

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Standby rota allowance

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with instrumentation, control, and automation.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Experience in fault diagnosis and rectification on automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and rectify faults on automation systems and IP networks.
• Deliver efficient C&A maintenance and installation services.
• Train and assess apprentices to build technical expertise.
• Participate in a callout rota.

Skills

PLC knowledge

SCADA systems

Fault diagnosis

Knowledge of Fieldbus

Communication networks

Proactive and motivated

Education

Formal Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship + HNC/HND

Job description

Overview

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.

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
• Optimize 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)

Qualifications

• 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 automation 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.

Benefits

• 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

Joining UU means becoming part of a thriving FTSE 100 company with outstanding benefits designed to recognise your contribution.

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.