At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative maritime defence projects and design technical infrastructure for ports and shipyards.
- Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a leader in engineering with a focus on equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, health insurance, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and access to diverse employee networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime defence while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering and experience in multi-disciplinary projects required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, Croydon, Southampton, Exeter, Plymouth – UK
Overview of the Role
Principal Ports Engineer with Defence experience within the Ports Coastal and Offshore (PCO) Team of the Aviation, Maritime and Offshore (AMO) Division. Deliver technical infrastructure design projects for dockyards, shipyards and ports (docks, jetties, dolphins, quay structures, dredging, breakwaters and revetments). Guide and develop team members on technical aspects of maritime defence projects. Lead technical design, contribute to bidding, collaborate constructively to meet profit, deadlines and quality objectives, and travel overseas for assignments when required.
Candidate Specification
- Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (or equivalent)
- Chartered with a relevant professional institution (or equivalent)
- Experience working in multi‑disciplinary projects, ideally within Ports, Coastal or Offshore environments
- Familiarity with industry codes & standards
- Strong communication, team working and problem‑solving skills
Benefits and Working Conditions
- Employment type available as part‑time, job share or full‑time.
- Willingness to travel overseas expected.
- Conditional on obtaining appropriate Security Clearance.
- Mott MacDonald does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas in the UK; applications from candidates eligible under alternative routes are welcomed.
Health and Wellbeing
- Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
- Health cash plan to support daily health costs.
- Access to Peppy for menopause support.
- Wellbeing support through comprehensive programme.
- Flexible salary package with health benefits.
Financial Wellbeing
- Employee pension match between 4.5% and 7%.
- Life assurance up to 4× basic salary, optional up to 6×.
- Income protection scheme with financial benefit and return‑to‑work support.
- Flexible benefits: life assurance, critical illness, payroll saving, wills.
- Annual bonus schemes reflecting business success.
Lifestyle
- Minimum 33–35 days holiday per year, public holidays included; option to buy or sell leave.
- Holiday entitlement increases to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years.
- Employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers.
Enhanced Family and Carers Leave
- 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave; 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
- Shared parental leave matches maternity leave (up to 24 weeks at full pay).
- Additional care leave up to 5 days, 2 paid.
Learning and Development
- Annual professional institution subscription.
- Opportunities for technical and soft‑skill development through mentoring, formal training and self‑development.
Networks, Communities and Social Outcomes
- Access to Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race, disability and parents/carers groups.
- Social impact initiatives within communities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment procedures and individual expression, ensuring everyone can contribute.
Accessibility
Disabled candidates or those needing support to apply or attend an interview can contact reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com; we will arrange necessary adjustments.
Principal Ports Engineer - Defence in Plymouth employer: Mott MacDonald
Contact Detail:
Mott MacDonald Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ports Engineer - Defence in Plymouth
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use specific examples from your past projects that relate to the role of Principal Ports Engineer. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your background fits into their goals. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ports Engineer - Defence in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Ports Engineer role. Highlight your experience in maritime defence projects and any relevant technical skills. We want to see how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with industry codes and standards.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since collaboration is key in our projects, make sure to highlight your teamwork and communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in multi-disciplinary teams before.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Ports Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in civil and structural engineering. Brush up on relevant industry codes and standards, and be ready to discuss your experience with dockyards, shipyards, and other maritime defence projects. This will demonstrate your technical prowess and show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves guiding and developing team members, be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams in the past. Talk about specific projects where you contributed to bidding or met tight deadlines while maintaining quality. This will highlight your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and engage with the interviewers. This will not only help you convey your ideas but also demonstrate your teamwork abilities.
✨Be Ready to Travel
Since the job may require overseas assignments, express your willingness to travel. Share any previous experiences you have had working abroad or in diverse environments. This will show that you're adaptable and ready to take on the challenges that come with the role.