At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team while ensuring automation systems run smoothly.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company dedicated to providing clean water and protecting the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, a competitive pension, healthcare plans, and gym discounts.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role based in Haverthwaite, Cumbria.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have an electrical or instrumentation apprenticeship and strong knowledge of PLCs and SCADA.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Role details
Salary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Haverthwaite Wastewater Treatment Works, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AE
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37
United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.
We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.
We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.
We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution."
Benefits
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
- Best Doctors
- Salary Finance
- Wealth at Work courses
- Deals and discounts
- EVolve Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
Job Purpose
Senior Controls & Automation Engineer
Shape the future of water and wastewater services with United Utilities
At United Utilities, we’re proud to be at the heart of providing clean water and protecting the environment across the North West. To help us continue delivering this vital service, we’re looking for Senior Controls & Automation Engineers to join our team.
In this senior role, you’ll be the go to technical expert, ensuring our automation and control systems are running at their best. You’ll use your skills to mentor and develop colleagues, support project delivery, and drive improvements in how we manage and maintain our assets.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor: provide technical leadership, coaching, and training for field service engineers, apprentices, and technical staff to build a strong, capable team.
- Keep us running: deliver effective maintenance and repair services across our water and wastewater sites, ensuring assets are reliable, efficient, and compliant.
- Be the expert: act as a subject matter expert for OT ICS equipment and infrastructure, leading post-incident reviews, advising on improvements, and supporting project delivery.
- Drive improvements: review and enhance OT processes, champion new ways of working, and support technical governance across projects.
- Hands-on technical work: carry out planned maintenance, troubleshoot and resolve automation faults, optimise control system performance, and ensure secure software back-ups.
- Documentation & compliance: create and maintain technical documentation (drawings, network architectures, RAMS, O&Ms, etc.) and ensure compliance with CDM, health & safety, and information security requirements.
- Support investment & projects: identify critical spares, input into investment needs, and contribute to capital and operational projects.
- On-call support: providing rapid response to operational issues when needed.
Technical Skills & Experience
What we’re looking for
- A time-served electrical or instrumentation apprenticeship with HNC/HND (or equivalent experience) in Instrumentation, Control & Automation.
- Strong knowledge of PLCs (legacy and current), SCADA, HMIs, telemetry, radio systems, and control/automation networks.
- Excellent understanding of Fieldbus and IP-based communication networks and topologies.
- Knowledge of information security good practice and regulatory requirements.
- Experience in developing and leading teams, with the ability to communicate complex technical information at all levels.
- A full UK driving licence is essential.
What we can offer you
- A senior engineering role where your expertise makes a direct impact on millions of customers.
- Opportunities to shape and improve how we deliver control and automation services across the business.
- A collaborative environment where your skills will help develop others and futureproof our capability.
- Competitive salary, pension, and benefits, plus the chance to be part of a business that’s building a stronger, greener, healthier North West.
We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.
Senior Control & Automation Field Engineer in Ulverston employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Senior Control & Automation Field Engineer at our Haverthwaite Wastewater Treatment Works, you will enjoy competitive benefits, including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional advancement, all while contributing to the vital mission of providing clean water and protecting the environment in the North West of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Control & Automation Field Engineer in Ulverston
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with United Utilities' mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community will help you align your answers during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with PLCs, SCADA, and control systems in your conversations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented or improved these systems, as this will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Since the role involves mentoring and developing a team, think of examples where you've successfully led others, focusing on how you foster collaboration and growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent advancements in automation and control technologies relevant to the water industry. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Control & Automation Field Engineer in Ulverston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in control and automation systems. Emphasise your technical skills, particularly with PLCs, SCADA, and Fieldbus communication networks, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for water and wastewater services. Mention how your background aligns with United Utilities' mission and values, and provide specific examples of how you've led teams or driven improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When detailing your experience, focus on your hands-on technical work and any leadership roles you've held. Highlight your ability to troubleshoot automation faults and optimise control system performance, as these are key responsibilities of the position.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety and Compliance:Include any relevant experience you have with health and safety regulations, compliance documentation, and information security practices. This will show that you understand the importance of these aspects in the engineering field.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Control & Automation Field Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, and control systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented these technologies and how they improved operational efficiency.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and leading a team, so highlight your experience in developing others. Share examples of how you've coached colleagues or led teams through challenging projects, showcasing your ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of instances where you've had to troubleshoot automation faults or improve processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Align with Company Values
United Utilities values diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Research their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your commitment to contributing positively to their culture and goals.
