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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in seabed drilling equipment and geotechnical tools for global operations.
- Company: Join a pioneering company shaping the future of offshore engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of engineering innovation in a brand new role.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering leadership experience in offshore drilling or related fields.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to build and lead a new engineering team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are very pleased to present to the market what is arguably the best senior level Engineering Director role in the British Isles at the moment. This is a brand new position, the first-in of what will become our clients joint largest and most important function globally.
The Director of Engineering will be responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and delivery of seabed drilling equipment and geotechnical tools which directly support offshore site investigation operations, all around the world. The role has full accountability for engineering activities across a growing fleet of vessels, ROVs and seabed drill and tooling systems, ensuring equipment is safe, reliable, scalable, and operationally effective.
The position leads engineering across tool and system development, an in-house R&D facility, and operational deployment, driving innovation and continuous improvement as the business expands its offshore, nearshore & onshore capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:- Engineering Leadership & Strategy
- This profile will define and execute the engineering strategy for seabed drilling systems, trenching tools, and associated handling equipment, aligned with the businesses growth plans.
- You will provide technical leadership across a growing fleet of vessels, seabed drills, and geotechnical equipment.
- The role will lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team across design, R&D, and operational support functions.
- The Director will establish engineering governance, design standards, and lifecycle management processes.
- Seabed Drill, Equipment & Tool Development
- Oversee the design, development, and qualification of seabed geotechnical drilling systems, downhole and seabed-deployed tools (samplers, corers, in-situ testing systems), and launch, recovery, and handling systems for vessel deployment.
- Own the technology roadmap for seabed drilling and tooling, supporting deeper water, improved data quality, and operational efficiency.
- Drive innovation through the company’s R&D facility, from early-stage concepts and prototyping through to offshore trials.
- Ensure equipment designs are optimised for harsh offshore environments, vessel integration, maintainability, and reliability.
- R&D Facility Oversight
- Provide leadership and direction to the in-house R&D and test facility, ensuring alignment with operational and commercial priorities.
- Oversee prototype testing, qualification programs, and controlled trials prior to offshore deployment.
- Promote a structured yet agile approach to innovation, balancing experimentation with operational reliability.
- Vessel & Offshore Operations Interface
- Work closely with vessel teams and offshore operations to ensure seamless integration of seabed drills and equipment with vessels.
- Support mobilisations, offshore trials, and technical troubleshooting as required.
- Ensure lessons learned from offshore operations are captured and fed back into design improvements.
- Act as senior technical authority during offshore incidents or equipment failures.
- Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure engineering designs and activities comply with offshore regulations, industry standards, and client requirements.
- Champion a safety-by-design and operability-focused engineering culture.
- Provide engineering leadership for HAZIDs, HAZOPs, design reviews, and technical risk assessments.
- Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Fleet Growth
- Manage relationships with external manufacturers, fabricators, and specialist suppliers.
- Oversee fabrication, assembly, FAT/SAT, and acceptance of new equipment for the expanding fleet.
- Support fleet standardization while enabling flexibility for R&D and future technology upgrades.
- Develop spares strategies and technical documentation to support multiple vessels and systems.
- Budget, Commercial & Growth Support
- Own the engineering budget covering R&D, new equipment development, and fleet support.
- Provide technical input to tenders, proposals, and client engagement, particularly around seabed drilling capability.
- Support CAPEX planning for new vessels, seabed drills, and next-generation tools.
- Essential
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Senior engineering leadership experience within offshore drilling, geotechnical, subsea, or offshore construction environments.
- Proven experience developing seabed or subsea-deployed drilling and tooling systems.
- Strong understanding of vessel-based operations and offshore equipment integration.
- Track record of leading engineering teams and complex development programs.
- Desirable
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- Experience with seabed drilling, CPT, seabed sampling, or in-situ testing systems.
- Experience leading R&D programs or test facilities for similar tooling and trenching equipment.
- Familiarity with classification societies, offshore certification, and client acceptance processes.
- Strategic engineering leadership.
- Seabed drilling and offshore equipment expertise.
- Innovation and R&D management.
- Risk-based design and decision-making.
- Strong operational and commercial awareness.
- Hands-on engineering leader with strategic vision.
- Comfortable working across R&D, vessels, and offshore operations.
- Decisive, pragmatic, and safety-focused.
- Credible technical authority with strong communication skills.
- Robust, scalable seabed drilling systems deployed across an expanding fleet.
- Effective use of the R&D facility to deliver field-ready innovation to current & new clients.
- High equipment reliability and reduced offshore downtime.
- A motivated, capable engineering team supporting business growth globally.
- Engineering capability that differentiates the company in the seabed drilling market.
This really is a one-of-one role and opportunity in general. We are looking for the very best talent to take this new team and business function forward. If you think you fit the bill and qualify against the above, get in touch with me directly for more information: james@lmoceans.com
Director of Engineering employer: LMOceans
Contact Detail:
LMOceans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their engineering challenges and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and driven innovation in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to manage complex engineering projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Engineering role. Highlight your experience in offshore drilling and engineering leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your strategic vision and technical expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this brand new role. Talk about your passion for innovation in seabed drilling and how your leadership style aligns with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact, like improvements in operational efficiency or successful project completions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at LMOceans
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to seabed drilling systems and offshore equipment. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading engineering teams and developing complex systems, as this role demands a strong understanding of these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strategic leadership, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your mentoring experience and how you've driven innovation within your previous roles to align with the company's growth plans.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and their approach to offshore site investigations. Being able to connect your engineering expertise with their business goals will demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational awareness.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations, especially regarding offshore incidents or equipment failures. Think of specific examples where you've had to make quick decisions under pressure and how you ensured safety and compliance in those scenarios.
