At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to ensure safe and efficient lifting operations in shipbuilding.
- Company: Navantia UK, a leader in defence and maritime engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to work on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK maritime sector with innovative engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Structural Engineering or Naval Architecture; CAD/CAM experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Shipbuilding
At Navantia UK, we are delivering some of the most ambitious shipbuilding and heavy-engineering projects in the country. We are looking for a talented Structural Weights & Lifting Engineer to join our Production Engineering team in Belfast and help ensure that every major lift, turn and movement of critical structures is executed safely, efficiently and with engineering excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of large-scale marine and defence programmes—where your expertise will directly influence production performance, operational safety and project success.
About the Role
As a Weights & Lifting Structural Engineer, you will be the technical authority for all lifting and turning operations across the shipyard. You’ll apply engineering analysis, modelling and strong problem-solving skills to develop safe, practical and cost-effective lifting plans and methodologies. You will collaborate closely with production teams, clients and third-party specialists, ensuring that every operation meets rigorous industry standards and reflects best practice. You’ll also play a hands-on role by attending key lifts on-site to confirm compliance and continuously improve our engineering processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Produce detailed calculations, analyses, drawings and documentation for safe heavy lifting and turning operations.
- Develop lifting plans and reports to support work packages and project design books.
- Assess lifting requirements against yard capabilities, lifting equipment inventory and industry good practice.
- Maintain forward planning for workload, deadlines and resource needs, in collaboration with the Production Engineering Manager.
- Deliver solutions that are safe, cost-effective and fit for purpose.
- Maintain an electronic database of lifting arrangements and documentation.
- Engage with clients, attend site visits and participate in reviews as required.
- Support operational teams during execution of lift activities and provide expert guidance on best lifting practices.
- Keep up to date with relevant standards, legislation and regulations (BS, API, DCR, HS&E, EU directives).
- Review the implementation of your lifting designs on-site and feed lessons learned back into future designs.
About You:
You are an analytical, detail-driven engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges. You enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, and you bring a practical mindset to safety-critical operations.
Skills & Experience:
- Strong CAD/CAM and 3D modelling experience.
- Demonstrable experience producing calculations and engineering analyses for heavy lifting operations using recognised software tools.
- Confident communicator, able to work effectively with technical teams, clients and operational personnel.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise engineering reports.
- Degree-qualified Structural Engineer or Naval Architect (or equivalent).
- Postgraduate experience or technical project/process management experience in relevant heavy engineering environments.
- Based in a standard office environment with regular engagement in shipyard and operational settings.
- Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.
- Involvement in on-site lifts may include working at height or within confined spaces (with full safety measures provided).
Why Join Navantia UK?
- Work on high-profile shipbuilding projects with national significance.
- Be part of a growing engineering team making a major impact in the UK maritime sector.
- Opportunities for development, progression and cross-yard collaboration within Navantia UK and SA.
- Competitive package and the chance to contribute to industry-leading engineering innovation.
If you’re ready to apply your engineering expertise to some of the most exciting heavy-lifting challenges in UK shipbuilding, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us move the future of naval engineering.
Qualifications
- Qualified Structural Engineer or Naval Architect.
- 3rd level degree, postgraduate experience and/or technical project/process management experience in this technical area, or equivalent.
Additional Information
Role summary: The successful candidate will supply specialist engineering support for all lifting and turning operations within the shipyard, delivering detailed calculations and technical analyses to ensure safe and efficient execution. Develop comprehensive lifting plans, arrangements, and supporting documentation that define approved methodologies for complex heavy lifts and rotational movements. Actively support operational teams by attending critical lifts to verify compliance with company procedures, statutory regulations, and third-party requirements. Offer expert guidance to personnel on safe working practices and risk mitigation. Work closely with clients, classification societies, and third-party stakeholders to define technical requirements and ensure alignment of expectations. Utilise advanced modelling and calculation software to produce accurate lifting data, simulate lift scenarios, and validate equipment suitability.
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination. We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
Weights & Lifting Engineer in Belfast employer: Navantia Group
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on high-profile shipbuilding projects that are vital to the UK's defence and maritime sectors. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a competitive benefits package, you will be part of a growing engineering team that values innovation and excellence. Located in Belfast, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the chance to contribute to industry-leading engineering practices while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weights & Lifting Engineer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 Navantia UK and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills as a Weights & Lifting Engineer can contribute to their ambitious shipbuilding goals. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve tackled engineering challenges. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress interviewers and show them you’re the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Navantia UK and contributing to the future of naval engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Weights & Lifting Engineer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Weights & Lifting Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in heavy lifting operations and structural engineering, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects that showcase your skills!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:We want to see your strong CAD/CAM and 3D modelling experience! Include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, especially in producing calculations and engineering analyses for heavy lifting operations.
Communicate Clearly:Strong written communication skills are key for this role. Make sure your application is clear and concise, and that it reflects your ability to produce detailed engineering reports. This will show us you can communicate effectively with technical teams and clients.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Navantia UK. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia Group
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your structural engineering principles, especially those related to lifting and turning operations. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these concepts in real-world scenarios, as this will show your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with production teams and clients, prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight how you communicated effectively and contributed to project success, as teamwork is key in this position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of CAD/CAM and 3D modelling software. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description and be ready to explain how you've used them in previous projects to produce calculations and analyses for heavy lifting operations.
✨Demonstrate Your Safety Mindset
Safety is paramount in this role, so be prepared to discuss your approach to risk assessment and mitigation. Share specific examples of how you've ensured compliance with safety standards in past projects, as this will demonstrate your commitment to operational safety.
