The Most In-demand Utilities jobs in the UK for 2026:

1. Field Service Engineers

Field Service Engineers are amongst the most consistently advertised utilities jobs in the UK. They play a hands-on role in maintaining and supporting essential infrastructure across water, energy and wider utilities networks. These professionals are responsible for fault-finding, repairs, inspections and planned maintenance on critical assets that must always remain operational.

As demand for utilities jobs continues to rise, employers are increasingly prioritising candidates who can work independently on live sites while maintaining high safety and compliance standards. Experience with mechanical or electrical systems is particularly valued, as many organisations struggle to replace retiring engineers and keep pace with ongoing workloads. A significant proportion of the current engineering workforce is expected to retire within the next 10–15 years, increasing demand for field-based engineers.

From a candidate perspective, field service engineer jobs in the UK offer strong job security and clear progression. Many professionals move into senior technical positions, supervisory roles or specialist engineering pathways over time, making this a popular entry and mid-career option within utilities careers.

Salary of a Field Service Engineer:

• Newly trained: £26,000 – £30,000
• Trained: £32,000 – £44,000
• Senior: £48,000 – £60,000+

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2. Project Managers

Project Managers play a critical role in coordinating and delivering complex utilities programmes, often involving multiple stakeholders, contractors and regulatory requirements. As infrastructure programmes expand nationwide, project manager jobs continue to rank among the most in-demand positions across the sector. This demand is supported by long-term capital investment, with Water UK confirming over £96 billion of planned investment between 2025 and 2030 across the water sector alone.

These roles typically involve overseeing schedules, budgets, risk management and site coordination, ensuring projects are delivered safely and efficiently. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates with experience in regulated environments, as utilities projects often operate under strict governance frameworks.

For candidates looking to step into leadership roles, utilities careers in project management offer strong long-term prospects. Many Project Managers progress into senior management or programme-level positions, supported by sustained demand and long-term frameworks rather than short-term contracts.

Salary of a Project Manager:

• Newly trained: £30,000 – £38,000
• Trained: £45,000 – £55,000
• Senior: £60,000 – £70,000+

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3. Design and Project Engineers

Unlike site-based roles, utilities design and project engineers focus on the planning, engineering and technical delivery of utilities infrastructure rather than day-to-day maintenance. These roles support system design, upgrades, asset performance and project execution across water, mechanical and electrical disciplines.

As employers invest heavily in maintaining ageing infrastructure and delivering new programmes, demand for experienced engineers in design and project-focused roles continues to rise. Skills shortages mean these positions remain some of the strongest utilities jobs in demand, particularly for candidates with regulated sector experience.

From a career development perspective, utilities careers in design and project engineering offer long-term progression. Many engineers move into senior technical leadership, project management or operational management roles as their careers develop.

Salary of a Design & Project Engineer:

• Newly trained: £28,000 – £32,000
• Trained: £38,000 – £52,000
• Senior: £55,000 – £70,000+

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4. Operations Managers

Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance of utilities contracts, ensuring assets, teams and processes operate efficiently. As organisations scale up delivery, these jobs have become increasingly important to maintaining continuity and performance across long-term programmes.

These roles often involve managing multidisciplinary teams, coordinating maintenance schedules and ensuring compliance with operational standards. Employers typically seek candidates with strong leadership skills and hands-on experience within the utilities sector, as operational knowledge is critical to success.

For experienced professionals, careers in operations management offer stability and influence, particularly on long-term frameworks.

Salary of an Operations Manager:

• Trained: £50,000 – £60,000
• Senior: £60,000 – £75,000+

Senior Operations Managers often sit at the upper end of the utilities jobs salaries band and play a key role in shaping long-term delivery strategies.

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