Net Zero Engineer

The Role

We’re looking for a passionate Net Zero Engineer who wants to turn ambition into action. If you care about sustainability, innovation, and making measurable environmental impact, this role puts you right at the heart of our carbon reduction strategy.

You’ll be a key player in driving smarter use of energy and water, reducing carbon across our operations, and helping us embed sustainable thinking at every level. Whether your background is in energy efficiency, decarbonisation, or environmental engineering, this is your chance to do meaningful, purpose-led work that leaves a legacy.

What you'll be doing

• Champion energy, carbon, and water efficiency standards across our operational sites.
• Lead workshops, briefings and performance sessions that inspire behavioural and operational change.
• Identify, quantify and deliver efficiency improvements — including quick wins and low/no‑cost interventions.
• Analyse usage and performance data to uncover causes of wastage and drive targeted improvement.
• Support and optimise sub‑metering strategies, training teams to confidently use energy tools and systems.
• Build strong business cases to secure funding for efficiency and invest‑to‑save initiatives.
• Lead and document trials, ensuring successful interventions are replicated at scale.
• Work collaboratively with operations, maintenance and engineering teams to embed best practice.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for energy and carbon reduction across Water, Wastewater and Bioresources.
• Support compliance with key regulations (e.g., ESOS, IED).
• Mentor colleagues and support their technical development in energy and carbon reduction.

What you'll bring

• Strong understanding of energy systems — from supply through to point of use.
• Experience carrying out root‑cause analysis.
• Confident analysing performance data (Excel skills essential).
• Skilled presenter, comfortable running workshops and engaging diverse teams.
• Experience developing business cases and securing funding.
• Background in overseeing capital works or invest‑to‑save projects.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience working in multi‑disciplinary teams.

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
• 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

About Us

Salary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - North West, United Kingdom
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.