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- Tasks: Diagnose faults and maintain automation systems for water services.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a top FTSE 100 company focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive pension, healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship with relevant experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Field-based across the North West (Base: Lostock or South Warrington)
Organisation: United Utilities (FTSE 100 Company)
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.
Our mission is clear: to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener, healthier, North West of England. We’re committed to protecting the environment, supporting the economy, and creating long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities.
Why Join Us?
- 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
The Role
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.
Key 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
- Optimise 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)
What We’re Looking For
- 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
- Aware 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 vacancy.
Automation Engineer employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at United Utilities on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with PLCs, SCADA, and fault diagnosis. Show them you’re the automation whiz they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you’ve tackled challenges in automation systems. This will help you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at United Utilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience with PLCs, SCADA, and fault diagnosis. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for engineering and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality water. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved systems or solved problems in previous roles. We’re all about innovation and results here at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, and HMI systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've diagnosed faults or optimised control systems. This shows you're not just familiar with the tech but can also apply it effectively.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues in automation systems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your analytical thinking and hands-on experience.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, be prepared to talk about how you've ensured compliance in past positions. Mention any relevant regulations you’ve worked with and how you’ve implemented safety measures in your projects.
✨Be Ready for Team Dynamics
As you'll be training apprentices and collaborating with colleagues, think about your teamwork experiences. Share instances where you've successfully worked in a team or mentored others, highlighting your communication skills and ability to foster a positive work environment.
