Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Hampshire, UK (hybrid) £65-75k + benefits (flexible)
Overview
This role is focused on the design of large steel structures for marine applications. As principal mechanical/structural engineer you will take ownership of the design of large‑scale mechanical systems for ship‑based sustainable marine technologies. The position offers exciting prospects for growth and development in a start‑up environment.
Key Skills
- A master's degree in mechanical engineering, naval architecture, structural or marine engineering
- Extensive experience in the design of marine structures (subject to classification approval)
- Excellent experience of structural analysis, stress and fatigue analysis (CAE and hand‑calculations)
- Ability to see projects through from concept to production (DFM)
- Ability to technically lead small teams, providing guidance and direction regarding standards
- Experience defining design processes and managing compliance and approvals with marine standards and classification bodies
- Ability to act as a technical authority for stress, fatigue analysis, championing engineering integrity, safety and sustainability
- Experience with high‑end 3D CAD systems (e.g. NX, Inventor, etc.)
- Willingness to travel occasionally for product trials, installation, commissioning
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of sustainable product technologies within a growing and forward‑thinking start‑up. The company has developed cutting‑edge systems to aid ship propulsion whilst reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The role will involve the design and analysis of large‑scale steel structures – concept analysis, 3D/2D design, FEA, structural analysis and supporting product development through test, validation and into production.
Responsibilities
- Design and analyse large‑scale steel structures for marine applications, including concept design, 3D/2D modelling, FEA and stress/fatigue analyses.
- Lead projects from concept through to production, ensuring DFM principles are applied.
- Act as technical authority on stress, fatigue and safety, championing engineering integrity and sustainability.
- Manage compliance and approvals with marine standards and classification bodies.
- Provide technical guidance and direction to small engineering teams.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in mechanical engineering, naval architecture, structural or marine engineering.
- Extensive experience in designing marine structures with classification approval.
- Proficiency in structural analysis, stress and fatigue calculations (CAE and hand‑calculations).
- Experience with high‑end 3D CAD systems (NX, Inventor, etc.).
- Knowledge of marine standards, classification societies (DNV, LR, ABS, etc.) and ability to manage approvals.
- Strong leadership skills and experience managing small technical teams.
Others (Beneficial)
- Experience working directly with classification societies (e.g. DNV, LR, ABS).
- Experience in performance‑driven structural design, validating models with real‑world data, structural testing or manufacturing processes.
Location & Working Arrangements
The role will be based in Southampton, Hampshire, with hybrid working (minimum 3 days in the office). Candidates located in or around Southampton, Basingstoke, Fareham, Portsmouth, Guildford, Farnborough, etc., are eligible. Relocation and work‑visa support could be available for the right person.
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