Automation Engineer at United Utilities in North West, England, United Kingdom | Kablio

Role

Description

planned maintenance

control optimisation

fault diagnosis

c&a maintenance

asset data

training

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.

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.

Carry out planned maintenance (e.g., PLC backup batteries/software updates and ensuring all equipment software/ configuration is backed up to a defined standard)
Issuing and administration of the ICA authorisation permits.
Participate in a callout rota (1 in 6)
Optimise control systems and improve performance
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
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and company policies
Provide accurate asset performance data to support analysis and improvements
Train and assess apprentices and colleagues to build technical expertise

Requirements

apprenticeship

plc

scada

fault diagnosis

driving licence

infosec

🎓 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
🛠️ Experience of fault diagnosis and rectification on automations systems
💡Proactive, motivated, and able to work independently or within a team
🚗 Full UK driving licence
📡 Understanding of Fieldbus, IP-based networks, and radio systems
🔐 Awareness of Information Security best practices

Benefits

🌴 Generous annual leave: 26 days + 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 4 years)
🎯 Performance-related bonus: 10.5% plus recognition awards for outstanding achievements
📞 Standby rota allowance: Additional payments for callouts
🏥 Comprehensive healthcare plan: Company-funded private scheme for peace of mind
💰 Competitive pension scheme: Up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined) + life cover

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

sponsorship may not be offered for this vacancy.

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded 1995

Year Established

Resulting from the merger of North West Water and NORWEB.

7+ Million People

Population Served

Provides essential water and sewage services across the region.

£1.9B Revenue

Annual Revenue

Demonstrates strong financial health and operational efficiency.

30+ Facilities

Renewable Energy Plants

Generating power from sewage sludge, contributing to sustainability goals.

It operates across North West England, supplying drinking water and treating sewage.
The company manages vast infrastructure, including thousands of kilometers of pipelines and nearly 600 treatment works.
Typical projects include reservoir management, leak detection, and wastewater upgrades.
Specializing in water and wastewater services, infrastructure upkeep, and renewable energy generation.

Culture + Values

We put people first.
We care about the environment.
We work together, share knowledge and support each other.
We are committed to making things better for everyone.
We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.
We deliver what we promise.

Environment + Sustainability

50% by 2025

Carbon Emission Reduction

Aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2025 as part of broader sustainability goals.

15% by 2025

Water Leakage Reduction

Committed to reducing water leakage by 15% by 2025 to improve water resource efficiency.

£1.6B over 5 years

Environmental Investment

Investing £1.6 billion in environmental improvements over five years to support sustainability initiatives.

90% Sustainably Sourced

Sustainable Supply Chain

Ensuring 90% of materials are sourced sustainably to promote ethical and environmental practices.

Restoring habitats across the region with a focus on biodiversity.

Inclusion & Diversity

40% Women

Senior Leadership Gender Balance

Target for women representation in senior leadership roles by 2030.

50% Women

Entry-Level Gender Mix

Target for women representation in entry-level roles.

12% Minority

Board Members from Ethnic Minorities

Representation of ethnic minority backgrounds among board members.

Launching mentoring programs for women and underrepresented groups.
Active participation in industry diversity initiatives.

Articles

Careers at United Utilities

LinkedIn - United Utilities

Role

Description

planned maintenance

control optimisation

fault diagnosis

c&a maintenance

asset data

training

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.

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.

Carry out planned maintenance (e.g., PLC backup batteries/software updates and ensuring all equipment software/ configuration is backed up to a defined standard)
Issuing and administration of the ICA authorisation permits.
Participate in a callout rota (1 in 6)
Optimise control systems and improve performance
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
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and company policies
Provide accurate asset performance data to support analysis and improvements
Train and assess apprentices and colleagues to build technical expertise

Requirements

apprenticeship

plc

scada

fault diagnosis

driving licence

infosec

🎓 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
🛠️ Experience of fault diagnosis and rectification on automations systems
💡Proactive, motivated, and able to work independently or within a team
🚗 Full UK driving licence
📡 Understanding of Fieldbus, IP-based networks, and radio systems
🔐 Awareness of Information Security best practices

Benefits

🌴 Generous annual leave: 26 days + 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 4 years)
🎯 Performance-related bonus: 10.5% plus recognition awards for outstanding achievements
📞 Standby rota allowance: Additional payments for callouts
🏥 Comprehensive healthcare plan: Company-funded private scheme for peace of mind
💰 Competitive pension scheme: Up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined) + life cover

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

sponsorship may not be offered for this vacancy.

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded 1995

Year Established

Resulting from the merger of North West Water and NORWEB.

7+ Million People

Population Served

Provides essential water and sewage services across the region.

£1.9B Revenue

Annual Revenue

Demonstrates strong financial health and operational efficiency.

30+ Facilities

Renewable Energy Plants

Generating power from sewage sludge, contributing to sustainability goals.

It operates across North West England, supplying drinking water and treating sewage.
The company manages vast infrastructure, including thousands of kilometers of pipelines and nearly 600 treatment works.
Typical projects include reservoir management, leak detection, and wastewater upgrades.
Specializing in water and wastewater services, infrastructure upkeep, and renewable energy generation.

Culture + Values

We put people first.
We care about the environment.
We work together, share knowledge and support each other.
We are committed to making things better for everyone.
We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.
We deliver what we promise.