Controls & Automation Engineer

United Utilities; Ulverston; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension with up to 14% employer_contr

10.5% performance-related bonus

Company-funded healthcare plan

Inclusion and learning culture

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a skilled Controls & Automation Field Engineer to maintain and improve industrial control systems across our water and wastewater assets. You’ll work on PLC/SCADA/HMI, troubleshoot faults, and implement improvements to keep services safe and reliable.

The role involves planned maintenance, site installations, and supporting capital projects. A strong safety mindset and IT/communication knowledge are essential, with a field‑based, flexible work arrangement and a 24/7

Qualifications

• Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship completed.
• HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation or equivalent.
• Experience with PLC programming (Siemens/Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Knowledge of Fieldbus, IP networks and radio communications.
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, telemetry and basic industrial IT concepts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver efficient C&A maintenance, repairs and installations across assets.
• Diagnose and resolve faults on PLCs, SCADA, HMI, telemetry and networks.
• Plan maintenance activities 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 permits and ensure safe working practices.
• Mentor apprentices and fellow field service engineers.
• Provide asset performance data to support smarter decisions.
• Identify recurring issues and propose long‑term solutions.
• Ensure critical spares are available and assist investment planning.
• Participate in a 24/7 standby rota (~5 times per month).
• Work independently and contribute to capital/operational projects.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Fieldbus networks

Driving licence

Education

HNC/HND in Instrumentation

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

Haverthwaite Wastewater Treatment Works, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AE

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
• 10.5% 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.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your C&A career, we’d love to hear from you.

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