At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering assurance and governance for complex maritime defence programmes.
- Company: Established marine technology organisation expanding in the UK Defence sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work closely with senior stakeholders and contribute to innovative engineering solutions.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in advancing marine technology within the UK Defence environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Defence engineering, particularly in maritime or subsea systems.
The predicted salary is between 48231 - 58949 £ per year.
Chief Engineer – Maritime Defence- Permanent- Salary negotiable, circa £120,000
Copello is working in partnership with an established marine technology organisation that is expanding its presence and capability within the UK Defence sector.
As part of this growth, we are looking to appoint a Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership, engineering assurance and governance across a portfolio of complex maritime and subsea programmes.
This is a senior and influential position, acting as a Technical Authority within the organisation and providing confidence that engineering activities, technical decisions and solutions meet the required standards throughout the full engineering lifecycle.
The Role
The Chief Engineer will take overall responsibility for engineering assurance across key programmes, working closely with engineering teams, programme leadership, senior stakeholders and the customer.
Responsibilities will include
- Acting as a senior Technical Authority across complex maritime and defence programmes.
- Providing overall engineering assurance, governance and technical oversight.
- Ensuring appropriate engineering processes, standards and controls are applied throughout the full engineering lifecycle.
- Providing technical leadership across systems, integration, design, development, verification, validation and acceptance activities.
- Reviewing and challenging technical decisions, engineering risks and programme assumptions.
- Supporting technical reviews and ensuring solutions are safe, compliant, robust and appropriate for their intended operational environment.
- Working closely with customers and stakeholders across the UK Defence community.
- Providing technical guidance and leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Supporting the continued development of engineering capability, processes and technical governance as the organisation grows.
About You
We are looking for an established senior engineering leader with significant experience within the UK Defence maritime environment. You are likely to have:
- A strong Defence engineering background, ideally within maritime, naval, submarine or subsea programmes.
- Experience of subsea systems, underwater technology, autonomous maritime systems or similarly complex marine systems.
- Previous experience operating as a Chief Engineer, Technical Authority, Engineering Authority, Engineering Director or equivalent senior technical leader.
- Strong knowledge of the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements and concept development through design, integration, verification, validation, qualification and acceptance.
- Experience providing engineering assurance and technical governance on complex programmes.
- The credibility to challenge technical decisions and provide independent engineering judgement at senior level.
- Experience working directly with UK Defence customers and stakeholders, ideally including the MOD and/or Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA).
- Strong systems engineering and multidisciplinary engineering understanding.
- The ability to communicate complex technical matters effectively with engineers, programme teams, senior leadership and customers.
This is an opportunity to take a senior technical leadership position within an organisation bringing advanced marine technology into the UK Defence environment at a significant point in its growth.
The organisation operates a flexible hybrid model.
Candidates will need to be able to work from the company's Hampshire office approximately two days per week, although there is flexibility around remote working depending on programme and customer requirements.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates will need to be eligible to obtain the appropriate UK Security Clearance.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Victoria at Copello on (phone number removed)
Chief Engineer in Southampton employer: Copello
As a Contracts & Subcontracts Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while being part of a supportive team in the vibrant cities of Gloucester or Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Southampton
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Chief Engineer role you’re after at Copello.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Copello a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Copello.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Chief Engineer at Copello, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Chief Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Copello a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Copello specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Copello, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Copello want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
