At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve control systems for water and wastewater services.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a top FTSE 100 company focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, healthcare plan, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship and PLC programming experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Lancaster / Cumbria / Kendall (Field‑based with flexibility)
Core hours: 8–4 with flexible working | Standby rota required
Help us keep the North West flowing. At United Utilities, we don’t just supply water; we support the health, wellbeing and prosperity of millions of people across the North West. As a proud FTSE 100 company and ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can grow, excel and truly belong. We’re investing heavily in the future of water, wastewater and environmental resilience.
You’ll be part of a supportive, forward‑thinking engineering community with access to exceptional benefits, including:
- 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 after four years, plus bank holidays
- Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution
- 10.5% performance‑related bonus and recognition awards
- Company‑funded healthcare plan
- A culture built on inclusion, innovation and continuous learning
What you’ll be doing:
You’ll play a vital role in maintaining and improving the industrial control and automation systems that keep our water and wastewater services safe, reliable and efficient. Every day will bring new challenges across our production, catchment, drainage and network operations. You will:
- Deliver efficient C&A maintenance, repairs and installations across a wide range of operational assets
- Diagnose and resolve faults on PLCs, SCADA, HMI, telemetry and communication systems
- Carry out planned maintenance, including PLC battery changes and software updates
- Ensure all control system configurations are securely backed up
- Optimise automation systems to improve performance and reliability
- Administer C&A authorisation permits and ensure safe working practices
- Support and mentor apprentices and fellow field service engineers
- Provide accurate asset performance data to help drive smarter decision‑making
- Identify recurring issues and recommend long‑term solutions
- Ensure critical spares are available and support investment planning
- Participate in a 24/7 standby rota (approx. 5 times per month)
- Work independently when required and contribute to capital and operational projects
What we’re looking for:
You’ll bring strong technical expertise, a proactive mindset and a commitment to safety and quality. We’re looking for someone with:
- A completed Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship
- HNC/HND in Instrumentation, Control & Automation (or equivalent)
- Experience with PLC programming (Siemens or Allen‑Bradley preferred)
- Knowledge of Fieldbus, IP‑based networks and radio communication systems
- Working knowledge of SCADA, HMI, telemetry and industrial communication basics
- Understanding of information security best practice
- A full UK driving licence
- Ability to pass a colour vision assessment
- Experience in water, food processing or similar industrial environments is beneficial
You’ll need to live within a reasonable distance for standby response.
Make a real impact. This is your chance to use your technical expertise to protect essential services, support environmental sustainability and help shape the future of water in the North West. You’ll join a team that values your ideas, invests in your development and celebrates your success. If you’re ready to take the next step in your C&A career, we’d love to hear from you.
Controls & Automation Field Engineer in Kendal employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters growth and innovation. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, company-funded healthcare, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our team to excel in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve in the North West. Join us as a Controls & Automation Field Engineer and be part of a forward-thinking engineering community dedicated to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of essential water services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls & Automation Field Engineer in Kendal
✨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 PLC programming and automation systems. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you’ve diagnosed and resolved faults in previous roles. This will highlight your proactive mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at United Utilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls & Automation Field Engineer in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Controls & Automation Field Engineer role. Highlight your technical expertise, especially in PLC programming and SCADA systems, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about water services and how your background aligns with our mission at United Utilities. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you’ve diagnosed and resolved faults in automation systems. We love seeing how you tackle challenges head-on!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best experience. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA, and HMI systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've successfully diagnosed and resolved faults. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can apply it in real-world situations.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled recurring issues in past roles. Think about times when you optimised automation systems or implemented long-term solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to improving processes.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with United Utilities' commitment to inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning. Be ready to discuss how you align with these values and how you can contribute to a supportive engineering community. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. Inquire about the standby rota and how the team collaborates during critical situations. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
