At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative carbon solutions and collaborate on major engineering projects.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a leader in sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving the transition to net zero.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while shaping a greener future.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or STEM, with a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
At United Utilities, we don’t just deliver water — we help shape a greener, more sustainable future for the North West. Our mission is to provide high-quality water while supporting a more prosperous, healthier and environmentally responsible region. Ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, we are proud to champion diversity, innovation and a culture where our people can thrive.
As we accelerate our journey to net zero, this is your opportunity to take a pivotal role at the forefront of carbon innovation.
We are expanding our award‑winning Innovation and Outperformance team at United Utilities, bringing together innovation, decarbonisation, and standardisation to drive step‑change improvements in cost and carbon performance mainly focused on our c.£7bn capital programme. Our team explores innovations that deliver value and drives the deployment of these solutions at scale to unlock outperformance against our ambitious targets.
We’re looking for a Senior Carbon Engineer to play a key role in embedding low‑carbon thinking across one of the UK’s largest capital programmes. This is more than an engineering role — it’s about influencing how an entire organisation designs, builds and operates for a low‑carbon future. You’ll lead the development and delivery of innovative, practical solutions that directly support our carbon reduction commitments and environmental goals — helping turn ambition into measurable impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams to identify and implement low‑carbon solutions across major engineering projects
- Lead initiatives that deliver against carbon reduction targets, focusing on innovation and strategic carbon management
- Conduct carbon benefit and lifecycle assessments to ensure solutions are measurable and effective
- Support governance and consistency across projects, ensuring a clear and robust approach to carbon management
- Contribute to the development and improvement of carbon estimation tools and methodologies
- Work alongside supply chain partners to drive innovative carbon reduction approaches
- Act as a subject matter expert (SME), advising internal teams and stakeholders on carbon and sustainability
- Stay ahead of emerging trends in low‑carbon materials, technologies and innovation, sharing knowledge across the organisation
What Makes This Role Different?
- Influence carbon strategy across a large‑scale, complex capital programme
- Play a visible role in delivering real, measurable environmental impact
- Work at the intersection of engineering, sustainability and innovation
- Be part of a growing and high‑priority carbon and innovation agenda
- Collaborate across teams, partners and supply chains to shape future solutions
What We’re Looking For
- Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in engineering, environmental or STEM discipline
- Working towards Chartered status (or equivalent)
- Experience delivering engineering outcomes and providing technical advice
- Strong knowledge and passion for the carbon agenda, including:
- Low‑carbon materials and technologies
- Carbon lifecycle assessments
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills
- Full UK/EU driving licence
What You’ll Get in Return
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 30) + bank holidays
- Competitive pension (up to 14% employer contribution)
- Up to 10.5% performance bonus
- Company‑funded healthcare
- Flexible, hybrid working
You’ll also have access to industry‑leading development opportunities, including:
- APM Project Management qualifications (PMQ)
- Support towards CEng/IEng Chartership
- Professional memberships (e.g. CIPS)
- Leadership coaching, mentoring and professional accreditation
Your Impact
Your work will help shape how we design, build and operate — ensuring that sustainability is embedded at every stage of our delivery. This is your opportunity to:
- Drive meaningful carbon reduction
- Influence engineering decisions at scale
- Be part of a transformational journey to net zero
Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re passionate about engineering, innovation and sustainability — and want to play a key role in building a greener future — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help power the transition to net zero at United Utilities.
Locations
Senior Carbon Engineer (Engineering Innovation) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Carbon Engineer, you will not only contribute to our ambitious carbon reduction goals but also benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities. Join us in Warrington and be part of a team that is shaping a sustainable future while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Carbon Engineer (Engineering Innovation) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like United Utilities that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like United Utilities that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like United Utilities. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like United Utilities when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Carbon Engineer (Engineering Innovation) in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with United Utilities's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Senior Carbon Engineer (Engineering Innovation).
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research United Utilities and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that United Utilities is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Senior Carbon Engineer (Engineering Innovation).
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with United Utilities.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at United Utilities.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of United Utilities. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.