
Graduate Electrical Engineer
Job Description
About us
Every day, we deliver one of life's most essential services to millions of people across the North West. From providing safe, high-quality drinking water to protecting the environment and supporting thriving communities, the work we do matters. We're now in the second year of our £16.5 billion investment programme, one of the largest transformation programmes in our history. It's an exciting time to join us as we improve our services, enhance environmental performance, embrace innovation and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
There's more to us than just great water. We are where purpose flows.
What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:
As part of this three-year IET-accredited graduate programme, you'll be supported by a dedicated mentor who will guide your professional development and help you work towards achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Through a combination of structured training, practical experience and ongoing support, you'll build the technical expertise, professional skills and confidence to develop a rewarding career within United Utilities.
Our Electrical Engineering team is responsible for designing and improving water and wastewater treatment facilities, delivering energy-efficient solutions that play a vital role in our business and the communities we serve. Working alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, you'll gain exposure to a broad range of electrical, instrumentation, control and automation disciplines, developing a well-rounded understanding of the industry. We're looking for talented and curious individuals who are keen to learn, collaborate and contribute to shaping the future of water and wastewater services in a safe and supportive working environment.
What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:
- Developing your knowledge of the wide range of electrical technologies we use, ranging from high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) power through to control system applications, and putting it into practice
- Developing an understanding of the interfaces with other engineering disciplines such as civil, hydraulic, process, mechanical and modelling.
- Supporting United Utilities’ operational staff in optimising site production and lowering site spend.
- Working on a variety of projects from small scale improvements through to multimillion pound new build installations
- Gaining a broad spectrum of experience through placements across the engineering teams within United Utilities.
What you’ll bring to the team:
- We require our electrical engineer graduates to have a minimum 2:1 accredited degree in electrical or power engineering, or equivalent.
- An excellent communicator who can engage at all levels including written communication.
- An excellent team player.
- Full UK Driving Licence will be needed at the start of the scheme
Why join United Utilities as a Graduate?
By joining us on our 3-year graduate scheme, you'll not only get first-class training and support, but we'll also provide you with an in-depth understanding of your business area, ultimately giving you the confidence, skills and knowledge required to become one of our future operational, technical or people leaders, driving meaningful change.
What's in it for you?
We know that delivering a great service starts with supporting you, our people. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both at work and outside of it.
- Starting salary of at least £32,250 + £2,000 welcome bonus
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years + bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
- Up to 14% employer pension contribution
- Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
- We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road
Want to learn more about life at United Utilities and explore our full benefits package? Take a look at our Flexa profile here: United Utilities | Verified Employers | Flexa Careers
Our commitment to opportunity for all
We're committed to creating a workplace where you feel you can belong and can succeed. Our colleague networks play an important role in this, these are;
- GeneQ – supporting gender equality, parents and carers
- Multi-Cultural & Faith
- LGBTQ+
- Armed Forces
- Ability – supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions
We recommend that you are open and honest with us throughout the process and make us aware of any reasonable adjustments you may require. Rest assured, we don't use AI to screen your application at any stage of the process. A real person will review your application.
To ensure a fair recruitment process, we ask that you apply for only one Graduate role per recruitment year. Take a look at all our opportunities and apply for the one that interests you most.
Key dates to consider:
- Applications close on 21st October 2026.
- Once applications have closed, a member of the Early Careers team will review your application to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for your chosen role.
- We anticipate this review process may take up to two weeks following the closing date.
- Interviews are expected to take place between 17th and 30th November.
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