Weights & Lifting Structural Engineer in Belfast

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.