Principal Hydraulic Engineer

United Utilities - Talent Acquisition Partner (Engineering & Commercial)

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

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 contribution.

• 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
• Car cash allowance - £5,000
• Up to 20% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
• My Gym Discounts  - 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
• Share Buy
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Job Purpose

Are you a water hydraulics specialist looking for a fulfilling career where your expertise can make a real difference in both the environment and society? If so, United Utilities (UU) has an exceptional opportunity for you to join our Hydraulic Engineering team based in Warrington, Cheshire.

As Principal Hydraulic Engineer, you will play a key leadership role within United Utilities, providing expert Hydraulic Engineering guidance across the organisation. You’ll take ownership of a specific delivery area, working closely with internal clients and external partners, while fostering strong collaborative relationships. In this position, you'll lead and support hydraulic engineering initiatives across our Commercial, Engineering, and Capital Delivery functions, ensuring seamless alignment with business goals.

You will collaborate directly with the Chief Engineer, while also managing and guiding a team of talented technical professionals within the UU Engineering Discipline. Mentoring and supervising developing engineers across the business will also be a crucial part of your role, enabling you to share your knowledge and grow future leaders in the field of hydraulic engineering.

Beyond managing teams, you’ll be responsible for identifying key challenges, crafting forward‑thinking strategies, and driving the prioritisation of innovative solutions. Building and nurturing relationships with critical internal and external stakeholders will be essential, as these partnerships will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our hydraulic engineering initiatives and strategies.

We value flexibility and believe in a healthy work‑life balance. With our hybrid working model, you’ll have the opportunity to work remotely, while also spending at least three days per week at our Lingley Mere site in Warrington. This allows for important face‑to‑face collaboration with your team. In addition, some travel to other sites across the North West will be required, particularly in the early stages of your role to help you fully integrate with the team.

At United Utilities, we provide a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. As part of our team, you’ll have the chance to enhance your…