At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and development of innovative marine propulsion systems for a cleaner future.
- Company: Fast-growing maritime tech company focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, hybrid work, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and take ownership of exciting projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience in marine structural design.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Southampton – hybrid, 3 days per week on site.
Salary: £70‑75K+ (negotiable) plus excellent benefits package. More may be available for the right candidate. A relocation package and Visa/Sponsorship support are available for this role if required.
About the Opportunity
Our client is a fast‑growing maritime technology business developing wind‑assisted propulsion systems that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping. They are now looking to appoint a Principal Design Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is a hands‑on role with broad involvement across the design lifecycle, from concept development through to detailed design and production‑ready hardware. Working closely with the Head of Engineering, you will take ownership of key subsystems, helping to deliver designs that are robust, manufacturable, compliant, and ready for real‑world use.
Key Requirements
- Degree qualification in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering
- About 5‑10 years experience designing marine structures approved by classification societies
- Strong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD tools
- Strong experience in structural analysis, including FEA and hand calculations
- Proven experience translating load cases into robust design requirements and validated structures
- Experience working directly with classification societies and supporting technical approval
- Experience with DNV, LR, NK or similar bodies
- Strong understanding of DFMA, structural integrity, and manufacturability
- Solution‑driven approach
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, chaotic environment
Desirable experience includes:
- Fatigue, buckling, and large welded structures
- Exposure to aero‑structural systems or other performance‑led structural design
- Experience validating models against real‑world data
- Knowledge of structural testing, validation, and manufacturing techniques
Role & Responsibilities
As Principal Design Engineer, you will lead the design and structural development of key product subsystems, ensuring they meet performance, compliance, and delivery requirements. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the mechanical design of subsystems in line with programme objectives
- Owning the development of wing geometry, balancing performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability
- Developing and managing load cases across classification and real‑world operating conditions
- Translating load cases into clear design requirements
- Defining structural design philosophy and ensuring compliance with classification standards
- Performing and overseeing structural analysis and design verification
- Developing and improving in‑house structural analysis tools and methods
- Leading technical engagement with classification societies
- Acting as the internal authority for stress and fatigue analysis
- Supporting and reviewing the work of more junior engineers where appropriate
- Promoting high standards of engineering integrity, safety, and sustainability
Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to join a business developing real‑world clean technology for the global shipping market. You will benefit from:
- Working on real climate‑impact hardware
- High levels of ownership within a small engineering team
- Broad exposure from concept through to production
- The opportunity to grow and progress with the business as the technology scales
Principal Design Engineer in Southampton employer: Energy Jobline ZR
World Wide Technology (WWT) is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Programme Director in London. With a strong focus on employee growth, WWT offers opportunities to lead cutting-edge automation projects while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. The company values transparent communication and client-first service, ensuring that employees are empowered to drive meaningful outcomes and develop their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Energy Jobline ZR.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Energy Jobline ZR love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Energy Jobline ZR and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Energy Jobline ZR and the Principal Design Engineer in Southampton role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Energy Jobline ZR.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Energy Jobline ZR.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Energy Jobline ZR, making you a more appealing candidate.
