Graduate Hydraulic Engineer

A graduate hydraulic engineering role supporting the design of water and wastewater infrastructure, developing expertise in hydraulics, flood risk and data analysis while working towards a professional engineering qualification.

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 can expect as a graduate in the Hydraulic team

You will enrol on a three-year graduate programme and will have dedicated support whilst working towards an Engineering Council approved professional qualification. Whilst on the scheme you will also have the opportunity to take part in placements with other disciplines (e.g. Process, Civil, Mechanical etc.) and within the wider business (e.g. Capital Delivery, Operational Deployment, Standardisation, Innovation etc.).

What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:

• Enhancing your technical knowledge of water and wastewater networks.

• Working on diverse projects, including hydraulic design of pipelines, treatment units, and flow measurement devices.

• Developing awareness of river flood risk and geomorphology.

• Gaining expertise in data analysis, health and safety, and regulatory standards.

• Collaborating with civil, process, mechanical, electrical, and construction teams, and building strong relationships with Project Managers.

What you’ll bring to the team:

To apply for this role, you will need to have or be on course to achieving a minimum 2:1 (predicted if not yet graduated) in an engineering degree (if it has included relevant modules such as fluid mechanics, civil engineering hydraulics, hydrology etc.)

MEng /MSc graduates are preferred; however, BEng / BSc graduates will be considered

You will also need:

• Strong technical, planning, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication abilities.

• A full UK driving licence is required, as the role involves travel between project sites. Ideally this must be secured by the time that your programme starts.

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

• Annual pay increase and bonus (subject to performance)

• 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 get you on the road

• Want to learn more about life at United Utilities and explore our full benefits package?

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