At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative marine systems that reduce emissions and fuel use.
- Company: Join a pioneering maritime tech company focused on green shipping solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, hybrid work, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while working on cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5-10 years of relevant design experience required.
You will like leading Mechanical/Structural Design Engineering hybrid working from Ocean City of Southampton with a pioneering maritime technology business. This company is rapidly expanding within the green shipping sector, developing innovative wind-assisted propulsion systems that are making a tangible difference to reducing fuel use and emissions on a global scale. Working for this forward-thinking organisation means you’ll be part of a passionate team committed to environmental sustainability, innovation, and engineering excellence. Enjoy a collaborative, dynamic environment with the chance to contribute to technology that truly has a climate impact.
This Principal Design Engineer Mechanical/Structural role itself offers you the opportunity to take ownership of the design and development of key structural and marine subsystems. From initial concept through to production-ready hardware, you’ll be involved in every stage of the engineering process. You’ll lead and shape structural design, work closely with classification bodies, and ensure your work meets the highest standards of robustness, manufacturability, and compliance. It’s a hands-on role that combines technical leadership with innovative design, offering real scope to influence cutting-edge projects in a fast-paced environment.
To succeed as a Principal Design Engineer, you will need:
- A degree in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering
- Approximately 5-10 years' experience designing approved marine structures, with familiarity of classification society standards (DNV, LR, NK, etc.)
- Strong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD software
- Experience in structural analysis, including FEA and hand calculations
- A proven track record translating load cases into reliable, validated structural designs
- Experience collaborating with classification societies and supporting technical approval processes
- Good understanding of DFMA, structural integrity, and manufacturability principles
- A solution-driven mindset and resilience in a fast-changing environment
Desirable qualifications include experience with fatigue, buckling, large welded structures, and knowledge of structural testing and validation techniques.
As a Principal Design Engineer, you will enjoy a competitive salary in the range of £65-85K, plus benefits:
- Relocation support and Visa/Sponsorship assistance if required
- A Friday-to-Friday work pattern with hybrid flexibility—3 days in Southampton
- The chance to work on purposeful, climate-positive hardware impacting global shipping
- Ownership of technical projects with significant scope for growth and progression
- A lively, innovative environment that values your expertise and ideas
You can apply to this exciting Principal Design Engineer role by pushing the button on this job posting, or by sending your CV in confidence.
Principal Design Engineer in Southampton employer: Macstaff
Join a pioneering maritime technology business in Southampton, where your role as a Principal Design Engineer will place you at the forefront of green shipping innovation. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits, hybrid working arrangements, and significant growth potential within a passionate team dedicated to engineering excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime tech industry, especially those working on green shipping projects. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the company's projects. Understand their wind-assisted propulsion systems and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of structural analysis and CAD software. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a team that values innovation and sustainability in engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in marine structures and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those that showcase your innovative design capabilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for environmental sustainability and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our pioneering maritime technology business. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of your work that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong proficiency in CAD software like Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor, make sure to include any relevant certifications or projects that demonstrate your technical expertise. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative designs!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to attach all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macstaff
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marine structures and classification society standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor, and how you've applied structural analysis in past projects.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Since this company is all about green shipping, demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability. Share examples of how your work has contributed to reducing emissions or improving efficiency in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Prepare to explain your design process, how you handle load cases, and your approach to ensuring manufacturability and compliance with industry standards.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role involves working closely with classification bodies and other engineers. Highlight your teamwork skills and provide examples of successful collaborations that led to innovative solutions in your previous projects.
