Salary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
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 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- Cash Car Allowance
- 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
United Utilities has an exciting opportunity for you to join the Technology Services OT Engineering Team, we are seeking a highly experienced
Principal OT Engineer to lead the development and governance of Operational Technology (OT) with a specific focus on
Control & Automation Systems. This is a strategic leadership role within our Technology Services OT Engineering function, responsible for shaping the future of OT across our water and wastewater operations.
As a senior technical authority, you will drive the consistent application of OT strategy, standards, and principles across all Control & Automation Systems. You will provide expert guidance to internal teams and external partners, ensuring that all OT solutions are supportable, operable, secure and aligned with our long-term technology and operational goals.
This role is ideal for a technically strong, forward-thinking engineer who thrives on innovation, collaboration, and delivering real-world impact in a regulated, customer-focused environment.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Act as the Principal OT Engineer for Control & Automation Systems, overseeing policy, process, and standards.
- Lead the development and governance of OT engineering products and project delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic roadmaps.
- Provide expert guidance and direction to internal teams and external suppliers on OT design and delivery.
- Ensure all OT solutions are designed to operate effectively, securely, and in line with customer needs.
- Govern the documentation standards and ensure all projects meet agreed technical and operational requirements.
- Collaborate with the Chief OT Engineer and other technology leaders to ensure consistent application of engineering principles.
- Be a key signatory for changes in design, scope, or activity within OT engineering projects.
- Engage with stakeholders across the business to ensure OT strategies are understood, applied, and continuously improved.
- Lead a team of engineers (permanent, agency, and supplier-based) to deliver high-quality OT engineering outcomes.
- Support continuous improvement by working closely with OT Operations teams to embed innovation into standard practices.
- Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing are embedded in all engineering activities.
Technical Skills & Experience
- Proven leadership in OT engineering, with the ability to guide technical teams and influence strategic direction.
- Extensive expertise in PLCs, SCADA and industrial control networks, along with exposure and experience of IT integration points and technologies.
- Expertise with Fieldbus, industrial networking, and emerging OT technologies.
- Strong understanding of OT cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
- Experience of deploying OT solutions against a backdrop of IT architecture.
- Member of a relevant professional institute; Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and deliver outcomes in a regulated environment.
- Commercial awareness and experience working with suppliers on OT design and delivery.
- Ability to write clear, concise engineering specifications and documentation.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
- Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline, with proven experience in Control & Automation Systems.
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.
