At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve control systems for water services, tackling new challenges daily.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a top FTSE 100 company focused on inclusion and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive engineering community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services and support environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Electrical or Instrumentation apprenticeship, HNC/HND in relevant field, and PLC programming experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
About us
Controls & Automation Field Engineer
Lancaster / Cumbria / Kendall (Field-based with flexibility)
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.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- A full UK driving licence
- Experience in water, food processing or similar industrial environments is beneficial
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.
Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer in Ulverston employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the North West, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and inclusion thrive. With exceptional benefits such as generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and a strong focus on employee development, we empower our team to excel in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the community. Join us as a Controls & Automation Field Engineer and be part of a supportive engineering community dedicated to ensuring the reliability and sustainability of essential water services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer in Ulverston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, or local meetups related to automation and controls. Engaging with professionals in the field can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving PLC programming or SCADA systems. This visual representation of your work can really impress potential employers during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on common technical questions related to automation and controls. We recommend practising with a friend or using mock interview platforms to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at United Utilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer in Ulverston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer. Highlight your relevant experience with PLC programming and any specific projects that showcase your skills in maintaining and optimising automation systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with United Utilities and how your background aligns with their commitment to safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention your experience with SCADA, HMI, and any other relevant systems. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how you can contribute to keeping the North West flowing.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around PLC programming and SCADA systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've diagnosed and resolved faults, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled recurring issues in past roles. Think about long-term solutions you've implemented and be ready to explain your thought process during the interview. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Mentoring
Since you'll be supporting and mentoring apprentices, highlight any previous experience in training or guiding others. Share stories that showcase your ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to a supportive engineering community.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with United Utilities' commitment to inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting the health and wellbeing of the North West.
