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.
Job Description
Start Your Graduate Career with Navantia
Full-time, Permanent (Graduate Entry‑Level)
Are you a recent graduate looking to build a career in production engineering, shipbuilding, CAD/3D modelling or industrial operations?
Navantia UK is recruiting a Graduate Production Engineer to join our Belfast team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting major shipbuilding programmes while developing technical capability, engineering understanding and practical skills.
You’ll work alongside experienced Production Engineers, discipline leads and multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to how ships are designed, built and delivered — from drawings and 3D models through to shopfloor execution.
You don’t need to be an expert when you join us. We’ll provide training and support to help you develop strong CAD/3D modelling capability, technical interpretation skills and understanding of shipyard production processes.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Graduate Production Engineer, you’ll support the engineering activities that enable safe, efficient and accurate production. You’ll help translate technical information into practical instructions that support manufacturing and construction.
You’ll gain experience across:
Technical Interpretation & CAD/3D Modelling
- Reviewing and interpreting drawings, 3D models and engineering documentation.
- Creating and updating basic 3D models, layouts, drawings and supporting technical documents.
- Developing strong capability in 2D/3D CAD tools.
Production Engineering Support
- Assisting experienced engineers with production engineering tasks and technical coordination.
- Supporting development of build strategies, production methods and construction sequences.
- Helping investigate production issues and updating technical documentation.
Data Collection & Analysis
- Gathering data from workshops and production areas to support engineering analysis.
- Contributing to improvement studies and manufacturing reviews.
Shipbuilding Knowledge & Systems
- Learning ship configuration, product breakdown and shipyard production processes.
- Developing familiarity with engineering systems, document management tools and company processes.
Collaboration & Coordination
- Participating in meetings, site visits and multidisciplinary coordination activities.
- Maintaining accurate records of assigned tasks and seeking feedback to support development.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for graduates who are curious, technically minded and eager to learn — people who enjoy solving problems, working with drawings and models, and supporting practical engineering delivery.
Qualifications
You’ll Need
- A degree (or equivalent) in Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles such as mechanics, materials, structures and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical information.
- Familiarity with 2D and/or 3D CAD tools and willingness to develop strong modelling capability.
- Ability to create basic 3D models and drawings.
- Strong interest in shipbuilding, production engineering or industrial operations.
- Good analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Exposure to FORAN, AutoCAD, AVEVA, SolidWorks or similar tools.
- Internship, placement or project experience in shipbuilding, manufacturing or construction.
- Basic understanding of SAP or engineering document management systems.
Additional Information
What You’ll Gain
- Build strong CAD/3D modelling capability and technical interpretation skills.
- Gain hands‑on experience supporting real production engineering activities.
- Develop understanding of shipbuilding processes, construction sequences and manufacturing methods.
- Work alongside experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Build a strong foundation for progression into professional‑level engineering roles.
Who Will Succeed in This Role?
- Technically curious
- Detail‑focused
- Proactive
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- A clear communicator
- Open to feedback and continuous improvement
- Most importantly, we’re looking for someone with the enthusiasm and potential to grow into an autonomous Production Engineer.
Why Navantia?
This is an opportunity to start your engineering career in a unique industry, working on complex shipbuilding programmes that require precision, innovation and technical excellence.
You’ll gain practical experience, receive structured development and build skills that will support your long‑term career in engineering, manufacturing or shipbuilding.
Please note that Assessment Centres will be held on Monday 7th September and Tuesday 8th September. Candidates will be assigned to attend on one of these dates only. Following the Assessment Centre, successful candidates will be invited to a final interview on Thursday 10th September.
***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***
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 on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
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Graduate Production Engineer employer: NAVANTIA UK
Navantia UK is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development while working in a supportive environment that values health, safety, and environmental standards. Located in a thriving area, the company fosters a sense of community and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Production Engineer
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like NAVANTIA UK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to NAVANTIA UK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at NAVANTIA UK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with NAVANTIA UK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like NAVANTIA UK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
