Principal Operability and Crewing Engineer
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re creating state‑of‑the‑art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in modernising industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation’s energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is the subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish, positioning the company to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities.
What you’ll do
- Lead operability and crewing/operator strategy across multiple ship design programmes.
- Develop CONOPS and run operational vignette workshops to stress‑test concepts and technology choices.
- Define user‑centred, mission‑focused requirements that shape layout, accessibility, maintainability, workflow, human factors, and automation/digital systems.
- Develop and champion crew reduction/elimination concepts through human–machine integration and emerging digital technologies.
- Work closely with designers, suppliers, operators and stakeholders to embed operator solutions early and gain buy‑in.
- Contribute to trade studies and cost/capability analyses so operator impact is visible in key decisions.
- Support safety and regulatory compliance, contributing to hazard identification and risk‑based approaches for novel technologies.
- Represent Navantia UK with customers and cross‑functional working groups, and mentor developing engineers.
What you’ll bring
- Significant experience in naval operations and/or naval ship design with a focus on systems, operability and crewing.
- Experience developing crewing models and workload assessments, with a working knowledge of automation and digital technologies.
- Ability to influence across disciplines and translate operational needs into clear engineering requirements.
- Degree in Engineering (e.g., Systems, Mechanical, Marine, Human Factors) or equivalent operational experience.
- Eligibility for BPSS; the ability to obtain SC may be required depending on the programme.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working, typically three days per week in the office
- Career development opportunities within a global organisation
- The chance to lead ILS activities on strategically important naval and government programmes
- A collaborative and inclusive workplace where expertise makes a direct impact
- Company pension
- 31 days holiday
- Life assurance
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online, please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…