At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve control and automation systems for water services.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a top FTSE 100 company focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and company-funded healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive engineering community with excellent career growth.
- 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.
About us
Controls & Automation Field Engineer
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.
Now we’re looking for a skilled Controls & Automation Field Engineer to help us protect essential services, optimise our assets and keep our region running smoothly.
Why join us?
- 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.
Control and Automation Field Engineer in Lancaster employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the North West, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. With exceptional benefits such as a competitive pension, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on professional development, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking engineering community dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control and Automation Field Engineer in Lancaster
✨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 Control and Automation Field Engineer in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Control and Automation Field Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and any specific projects that showcase your skills in automation and control.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at United Utilities. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to safety and quality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like Fieldbus and IP-based networks. We want to see how your skills can help us optimise our assets and improve performance.
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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
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 improved performance. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to quality.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with United Utilities' values around inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not just technically skilled but also a good cultural fit.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. Inquire about their approach to mentoring apprentices or how they handle standby rotas. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
