Graduate Process Engineer

Overview

United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From 2025-2030 we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years – thats more than £13 billion worth of investments. Now, more than ever, we need inspiring future talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.

Whatever area of our business your interests lie in, our 3-year graduate programme will give you first-class training and support, together with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area – so that you can develop the skills you need to progress your career as you make a real contribution to the communities we serve. You might enter our scheme as a graduate, but one things for sure, before long youll be heading into your next role as a technical, operational or people leader.

Working in the North West means theres a lot of ground to cover. You could have the opportunity to work in the heart of the Lake District, or you could sample a taste of city life. As well as our main office in Warrington we also recruit for a variety of roles based across the North West; we have 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works in areas from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. Whichever scheme you join, youll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry. Ready to flow into your future with us?

Training and Accreditation

Our Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS) is accredited with the IChemE. We provide a tailored experience covering all competencies required to progress you towards a permanent role within the company and chartership. As a graduate you will receive 1-2-1 line management, chartership and business mentoring, with the opportunity to work alongside teams from a number of engineering disciplines. We aim to offer you the broadest experience and opportunity to learn from some of the best people across United Utilities. Start living your future today!

What will I be doing?

• 6 to 12 months placements in a variety of business units, to understand how the business works as a whole, and provide a broad knowledge base.
• Develop your process engineering knowledge and design skills in water, wastewater and bio-resource treatment. Become familiar with the operations structure of United Utilities and how it interacts with engineering. Youll develop an ability to troubleshoot operational issues, identify opportunities to optimise processes and provide engineering support to the operations team.
• Work with multidiscipline teams to deliver capital schemes to meet new environmental drivers, from initial data gathering through to commissioning.
• Develop skills to run pilot plants and operational trials, analyse and understand data to make recommendations on next steps.
• Develop your understanding and knowledge of process safety analysis techniques such as hazard and operability studies (HAZOP).
• Gain a working knowledge of the regulatory environment driving the business and operational decisions through first-hand experience and training.

• Candidates will have a minimum 2:1 MEng in Chemical Engineering from an Engineering Council accredited University or minimum 2:1 MSc/MEng in Water and Wastewater Engineering supported by first degree in Engineering or a relevant science.
• Clear, simple and unambiguous writing style
• Excellent communication skills with a flexible style to meet the needs of technical and non-technical audiences.
• An excellent team player, working affectively alongside colleagues and other engineering disciplines as well as other stakeholders in the business is crucial.
• Full UK Driving Licence at the time of starting with us

Our recruitment process requires you to complete:

• An Online application form
• Online tests
• An online MS Teams interview
• An in-person assessment centre

Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment assessment centre during the period 17th November – 19th December.

Equal Opportunity and Hiring Details

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout your recruitment journey, please let us know. If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland.

Application deadline: 13th October 2025 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change

Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Benefits and Career Development

Competitive Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive starting salary of £31,250 which is reviewed each year and will increase annually throughout your graduate scheme, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Up to £500 reimbursed towards driving lessons and test which can be backdated*. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award-winning pension scheme.

*subject to time restriction and providing valid receipt

Career Progression Opportunities: Our graduate scheme offers clear pathways for advancement, structured programmes, and mentorship to help you develop into an outstanding leader. You\’ll receive a tailored development programme, with opportunities for placements in other areas of the business.

Personal and Professional Development: You\’ll have the chance to work within a highly motivated team, gaining a wealth of experience and creating a fantastic professional network. From specialist training to mentoring and coaching to internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity, we\’ll support you every step of the way. There is also potential for sponsorship for a master\’s or other postgraduate qualifications.

Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our flexible working policies and supportive work environment ensure you can achieve this balance while pursuing your career goals.

Our Reputation and Culture: United Utilities is proud to be one of the UK\’s top inclusive employers. We are a responsible business that cares about delivering great customer service, protecting the environment, and investing in the region to support future growth.