At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical governance for mechanical systems at Portsmouth Naval Base and solve complex engineering problems.
- Company: Join KBS Maritime, a dynamic joint venture supporting the Royal Navy with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible parental benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while working in a unique and historic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical engineering, chartered or working towards chartership, with relevant experience.
- Other info: Applications close on 29th August 2025; interviews start the following week.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer (EnACT) Location: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth (HMNBP) Service Area: EnACT, Asset Management Hours of Work: 37 Per week What You’ll be doing: As a key role within the Engineering, Assurance and Compliance Team (EnACT), you’ll provide technical governance, legislative, regulatory and safe to operate assurance for mechanical and saltwater systems and equipment at Portsmouth Naval Base. By taking Ownership of complex technical problems, you’ll produce and manage safety management systems for your responsible asset groups and communicate proactively with other team members to provide encouragement, identify problems, create solutions and unblock technical issues. Additionally, as Principal Mechanical Engineer, you’ll manage and present asset condition status to asset owner, provide technical support with updating Asset Management Plans, and be accountable for development, and support the strategic plans for infrastructure and business improvement. You’ll Have: You’ll be an experienced senior mechanical engineer, educated to degree level and having gained substantial knowledge in a mechanical engineering role. You’ll be a chartered engineer or working towards chartership. You’ll have the proven ability to maintain a systems viewpoint while understanding component level design and investigation rationale when required. With a good working knowledge of saltwater systems associated with the locking and docking of ships / rotating machinery / hydraulic systems, you’ll have experience/knowledge of creating and implementing maintenance strategies including but not limited to Condition and Risk Based Maintenance. Also, experience/knowledge of the mechanical engineering discipline and strategies to exploit these to support the Naval Base’s journey towards Net Zero Carbon is welcomed, along with compliance assurance exposure to satisfy statutory and regulatory legislation within a maritime and built infrastructure environment. About you: As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you’ll have membership of related technical professional body (preferably CEng, or equivalent technical accreditation / membership or working towards qualification) and possess a high-level knowledge of mechanical engineering. With excellent communication and influencing ability, you’ll also be highly organised, be able to present and engage with stakeholders of all levels, and live and endorse KBS Maritime’s core values. You’ll get: * A competitive salary * 25 days holiday plus bank holidays * Enhanced pension scheme * Life assurance * Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues * Cycle to work scheme * Group income protection * Flexible parental benefits (if applicable) * Access to our Internal employee assistance network, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position. * Continued professional career development * Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme) * Occupational Health & Wellbeing Services * 50% off entry into the Historic Dockyard Application process: Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date of Friday 29th August 2025, with a view of interviews scheduled to commence week commencing Monday 1st September 2025. For all queries, please contact the Recruitment Team in the first instance who will advise accordingly. About Us: At KBS Maritime, we\’re not just another company – we\’re an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty\’s Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy. With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy\’s surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment, with a mix of historic dockyards and cutting-edge infrastructure that\’s unlike any other. By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK\’s National Defence and Security. But it\’s not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed
Principal Mechanical Engineer (EnACT) employer: KBS Maritime Ltd
Contact Detail:
KBS Maritime Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer (EnACT)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific mechanical systems and equipment used at HM Naval Base, particularly saltwater systems and hydraulic machinery. Understanding these systems will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of KBS Maritime or similar organisations. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with maintenance strategies, especially Condition and Risk Based Maintenance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented these strategies in past roles, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your communication and influencing skills during any discussions or interviews. Since the role involves engaging with stakeholders at various levels, demonstrating your ability to convey complex technical information clearly will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer (EnACT)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in mechanical engineering, particularly any work related to saltwater systems and maintenance strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical governance and problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your chartered engineer status or progress towards it, and how your background aligns with KBS Maritime's mission and values.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you managed complex technical problems or developed safety management systems. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Showcase Continuous Professional Development: Mention any relevant training, certifications, or memberships in professional bodies that demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning in mechanical engineering. This is particularly important for a senior role like Principal Mechanical Engineer.
How to prepare for a job interview at KBS Maritime Ltd
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Principal Mechanical Engineer role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific technical governance and assurance tasks mentioned in the job description, especially regarding mechanical and saltwater systems.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with mechanical engineering, particularly in relation to saltwater systems and maintenance strategies. Highlight any relevant projects or challenges you've faced, and how you approached them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires excellent communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to engage with stakeholders at various levels, showcasing your ability to influence and present complex information in an understandable way.
✨Align with Company Values
Research KBS Maritime's core values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for their mission and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in supporting the Naval Base’s journey towards Net Zero Carbon.