Senior Carbon Engineer (Engineering Innovation)

About us

At United Utilities, we don’t just deliver water — we help shape a greener, more sustainable future for the North West.

Our mission is to provide high-quality water while supporting a more prosperous, healthier and environmentally responsible region. Ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, we are proud to champion diversity, innovation and a culture where our people can thrive.

As we accelerate our journey to net zero, this is your opportunity to take a pivotal role at the forefront of carbon innovation.

The Opportunity

We are expanding our award-winning Innovation and Outperformance team at United Utilities, bringing together innovation, decarbonisation, and standardisation to drive step-change improvements in cost and carbon performance mainly focused on our c.£7bn capital programme.

Our team explores innovations that deliver value and drives the deployment these solutions at scale to unlock outperformance against our ambitious targets.

We’re looking for a Senior Carbon Engineer to play a key role in embedding low-carbon thinking across one of the UK’s largest capital programmes.

This is more than an engineering role — it’s about influencing how an entire organisation designs, builds and operates for a low-carbon future.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of innovative, practical solutions that directly support our carbon reduction commitments and environmental goals — helping turn ambition into measurable impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to identify and implement low-carbon solutions across major engineering projects
• Lead initiatives that deliver against carbon reduction targets, focusing on innovation and strategic carbon management
• Conduct carbon benefit and lifecycle assessments to ensure solutions are measurable and effective
• Support governance and consistency across projects, ensuring a clear and robust approach to carbon management
• Contribute to the development and improvement of carbon estimation tools and methodologies
• Work alongside supply chain partners to drive innovative carbon reduction approaches
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME), advising internal teams and stakeholders on carbon and sustainability
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in low-carbon materials, technologies and innovation, sharing knowledge across the organisation

What Makes This Role Different?

• Influence carbon strategy across a large-scale, complex capital programme
• Play a visible role in delivering real, measurable environmental impact
• Work at the intersection of engineering, sustainability and innovation
• Be part of a growing and high-priority carbon and innovation agenda
• Collaborate across teams, partners and supply chains to shape future solutions

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an engineer who is both technically strong and passionate about sustainability, with the ability to influence and drive change.

Essential:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in engineering, environmental or STEM discipline
• Working towards Chartered status (or equivalent)
• Experience delivering engineering outcomes and providing technical advice
• Strong knowledge and passion for the carbon agenda, including:
• Low-carbon materials and technologies
• Carbon lifecycle assessments
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Full UK/EU driving licence

What You’ll Get in Return

We recognise the value you bring — and reward it with a comprehensive package:

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 30) + bank holidays
• Competitive pension (up to 14% employer contribution)
• Up to 10.5% performance bonus
• Company-funded healthcare
• Flexible, hybrid working

You’ll also have access to industry-leading development opportunities, including:

• APM Project Management qualifications (PMQ)
• Support towards CEng/IEng Chartership
• Professional memberships (e.g. CIPS)
• Leadership coaching, mentoring and professional accreditation

Your Impact

Your work will help shape how we design, build and operate — ensuring that sustainability is embedded at every stage of our delivery.

This is your opportunity to:

• Drive meaningful carbon reduction
• Influence engineering decisions at scale
• Be part of a transformational journey to net zero

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re passionate about engineering, innovation and sustainability — and want to play a key role in building a greener future — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help power the transition to net zero at United Utilities.