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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in seabed drilling technology and engineering strategies.
- Company: Join a pioneering company shaping the future of offshore operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a global impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of engineering innovation in a unique leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering experience in offshore drilling and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: This is a rare opportunity to shape a new team and function.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are very pleased to present a senior level Engineering Director role in the British Isles. This is a brand new position, the first of what will become our client's 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 worldwide. 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, and onshore capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:- Engineering Leadership & Strategy: Define and execute the engineering strategy for seabed drilling systems, trenching tools, and associated handling equipment, aligned with the business's growth plans. Provide technical leadership across a growing fleet of vessels, seabed drills, and geotechnical equipment. Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team across design, R&D, and operational support functions. 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, 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 standardisation 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
This really is a one-of-one role and opportunity. 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 in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: LMOceans
Contact Detail:
LMOceans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Engineering in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their engineering strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We believe that being well-prepared can make all the difference in landing that Director of Engineering position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you to join our team and drive innovation in engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Engineering in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share 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 everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at LMOceans
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to seabed drilling systems and offshore operations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led or contributed to, showcasing your expertise in mechanical engineering and R&D management.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team. Think of examples where you've successfully guided teams through complex projects or innovations, and be ready to share how you foster collaboration and growth.
✨Align with Company Goals
Understand the company's vision and how the engineering strategy aligns with their growth plans. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their objectives, particularly in driving innovation and improving operational efficiency in seabed drilling.
✨Safety First Mindset
Emphasise your commitment to safety and compliance in engineering design. Be ready to talk about your experience with HAZIDs, HAZOPs, and risk assessments, and how you ensure that safety is integrated into every aspect of engineering activities.
