Field Controls & Automation Engineer – PLC/SCADA

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

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