With AMP8 set to launch in April 2025, UK water companies face growing demands to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainability, and manage costs responsibly. While permanent roles offer stability, contract positions present significant career growth opportunities for a commissioning engineer.
Read on to discover the ten reasons to consider switching to contract work as a commissioning engineer in the water industry.
1. A flexible career path
Commissioning engineers (water industry) get the opportunity to work in various different environments and with a variety of different people. Working with different companies and coming across different challenges enhances skills development, fast-tracking a career. It also increases adaptability and problem-solving, which are two highly sought-after skills for commissioning engineers.
2. Skilled contract commissioning engineers are in high demand
The push for infrastructure investment in the new AMP cycle means that contractors with commissioning skills are in high demand. Contracting gives commissioning engineers the flexibility to adapt to market demand and take advantage of changes in the sector. For UK water companies, this means that they can easily scale resources when they need. For contractors, this means there’s a steady stream of work opportunities.
3. Opportunity for networking
When working in a contracted role, commissioning engineers will get exposure to a variety of companies and professionals within the sector, which can open the door to new opportunities and partnerships and earn them a reputation in the water industry. The networking potential in contract roles opens doors to future contracts, building a reliable referral base and ultimately leading to better job security and more selective project choices.
4. Autonomy over your work
Contract roles provide engineers the freedom to design their own work schedules, take breaks between projects, and pursue roles aligned with their goals. With every new contract, contractors can learn new skills, develop their knowledge, and take on fresh challenges.
5. A high earning potential
Commissioning engineers in contract roles often earn much higher daily rates than their permanent counterparts. This is especially true for high-demand locations and projects. Although they don’t come with a benefits package, contract roles give commissioning engineers the opportunity to increase their earnings regularly while focusing on the projects that align with their goals.
6. Better job satisfaction
Contracting as a commissioning engineer in the water sector has the potential for higher job satisfaction than working in a permanent position, due to the ability to tailor work to specific requirements and interests, take breaks in between contracts, and avoid burnout from longer term roles.
7. The opportunity to specialise
Working in contract or freelance roles rather than permanent ones allows commissioning engineers to focus on areas of a project or sector that they are particularly interested in, or want to grow their skills in, perhaps automation systems or energy-efficient water treatment. This will be increasingly important as new technologies emerge and evolve. A more specialist commissioning engineer can often request higher rates and be more selective with the projects they choose.
8. Good work-life balance
The flexibility that comes with contracting as a commissioning engineer gives freedom and autonomy to set your own work-life balance. Those in contract roles can prioritise time with family when required and take breaks in between projects.
9. The potential for remote or hybrid work
Many positions working within the UK water industry today allow for some flexibility when it comes to remote working, and contract roles are no exception. Depending on a project’s phase and particular requirements, positions may even be fully remote. Hybrid working allows for a better work-life balance than traditional permanent roles.
10. Varied projects
Finally, a key reason why many commissioning engineers choose to work in contract positions over permanent ones is because of the wide variety of projects that they get exposed to. This increased exposure allows you to expand your expertise across different technologies, systems, and types of infrastructure.
Contracting in the water sector empowers commissioning engineers to shape their careers, earn higher rates, and develop unique expertise. As AMP8 approaches, now is an ideal time to explore contract opportunities that align with the future demands of the water industry.
Commissioning engineer jobs in the water sector
Looking for your next role in the UK water industry? Water is an incredibly rewarding industry to be part of, particularly if you have a passion for making a difference and having a positive impact on the environment.
We are currently providing design, build, and commercial resource to the majority of the UK’s utility companies, either directly into them or via their framework partners. If you’re looking for a new position, get in touch with a member of the team to discuss your requirements.
Your Guide to AMP8: The Future of the UK Water Sector
The Asset Management Period (AMP) is a five-year regulatory cycle set by Ofwat that shapes the direction and investment priorities for water companies in England and Wales.
Starting in April 2025, AMP8 introduces a new phase in this ongoing evolution, addressing urgent issues like environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and customer service enhancements. As recent challenges—ranging from Brexit to climate change—impact the sector, AMP8 is set to be one of the most
challenging and transformative periods yet.
This guide provides an overview of AMP8’s key objectives, priorities, and risks, equipping water sector professionals to navigate and capitalise on the opportunities ahead.
Download Your Guide to AMP8
The Future of the UK Water Sector
