Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer

About the job

Navantia UK is a leading provider of innovative naval solutions, specialising in the design, construction, and lifecycle support of naval ships. As part of the global Navantia Group, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge technologies and world-class services across the maritime sector. Based in Bristol, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer to join our team and play a key role in delivering high-quality naval architecture solutions for naval and complex commercial shipbuilding projects.

Job Description

Navantia UK are looking for an experienced Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer to join our engineering team at Navantia UK. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled individual to lead the design and integration activities for both power and propulsion systems in advanced naval projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and optimization of power and propulsion systems, ensuring that they meet operational, safety, and performance requirements for modern naval platforms.

As the Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer , you will lead the technical aspects of both power and propulsion system design, from conceptual design through to construction and in-service support. You will work closely with other engineering teams, including naval architecture, structural engineering, transversal engineering and systems engineering, to ensure seamless integration of power and propulsion systems with the ship’s overall design, balancing performance, efficiency, and operational requirements.

The role will require expertise in power and propulsion systems , including machinery selection, integration, and optimization, electrical system architecture as well as ensuring compliance with relevant naval and maritime regulations. Additionally, you will be involved in integrating alternative propulsion technologies and future fuels , ensuring that designs meet the evolving demands of modern naval platforms. A key part of the role will also be to incorporate energy saving and emission reduction technologies , along with addressing safety considerations related to new technologies. Furthermore, you will be responsible for the development of power and propulsion operational modes and control and monitoring system specifications to ensure seamless operation across various conditions.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and complex shipbuilding programmes, undertaking cost / capability trade-offs, supplier engagement and specification, ensuring seamless integration of power & propulsion systems into the ship design. You will be instrumental in delivering solutions that meet operational requirements while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the power and propulsion engineering team, providing technical direction, oversight, and mentorship to ensure the successful design, integration, and optimization of power and propulsion systems.
• Oversee the selection, design, and integration of power and propulsion machinery, including prime movers, auxiliary systems, shafting, propellers, gearboxes, motors and energy management systems.
• Oversee the development and specification of power generation and distribution systems , ensuring efficient and reliable energy management throughout the platform.
• Develop and optimize energy management strategies , incorporating solutions that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support sustainability goals.
• Ensure that both power and propulsion systems meet operational, safety, and regulatory standards, while delivering the required performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with naval architects, structural engineers, marine engineers and systems engineers to ensure effective integration of power and propulsion systems with the ship’s other systems.
• Integrate propulsion technologies into ship designs, considering the use of innovative energy sources, full electric, hybrid propulsion systems, and future fuels .
• Develop and optimize power and propulsion operational modes , considering various operating conditions, to ensure system flexibility, efficiency, and reliability.
• Contribute to the development of control and monitoring system specifications for power and propulsion systems, ensuring that they support effective operation, diagnostics, and performance optimization.
• Develop strategies for energy saving and emission reduction technologies , ensuring that designs incorporate the latest advancements in reducing the environmental impact of propulsion systems.
• Address safety considerations related to the integration of future fuels , ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for safe handling and storage.
• Contribute to the development of technical specifications , drawings, and performance criteria for power and propulsion systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Manage the integration of power and propulsion systems within the overall ship design, ensuring systems are efficiently aligned with the overall ship layout and functional requirements.
• Work closely with the project management team to ensure that power and propulsion system designs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required technical standards.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and suppliers, to ensure that power and propulsion systems meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.
• Provide expert guidance and support during the construction phase and in-service support, addressing any operational issues and implementing necessary improvements.

Qualifications

• A degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Masters or equivalent is highly desirable).
• Significant experience (8+ years) in power and propulsion engineering, with a strong background in naval or marine engineering projects.
• Expertise in the design, integration, and optimization of power and propulsion systems for complex naval and complex commercial ships, including prime movers, auxiliary systems, shafting, and propellers.
• Experience with power and propulsion technologies , such as integrated full electric, hybrid propulsion, prime movers, power generation, propulsors, other innovative energy sources, and a strong understanding of their integration into naval platforms.
• Knowledge of energy saving and emission reduction technologies and their application in reducing the environmental footprint of power and propulsion systems.
• Experience with the integration of future fuels , including considerations for safety , handling, storage, and system compatibility.
• Experience in the development of power and propulsion operational modes to optimize system performance across varying operational conditions.
• Expertise in developing control and monitoring system specifications , ensuring systems are capable of tracking, managing, and optimizing the performance of power and propulsion equipment.
• Knowledge of energy management systems and their role in optimizing power and propulsion system performance and efficiency.
• A deep understanding of naval and maritime design codes, including classification society rules and regulations, and their application to power and propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with systems analysis and integration processes and tools, such as power and propulsion analysis and comparison tools, 2D and 3D CAD software and other industry-standard tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex engineering challenges related to power and propulsion systems.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, and to provide technical leadership to junior engineers.
• Strong project management skills, with experience in delivering engineering projects on time and within budget.
• A passion for engineering excellence, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement in power and propulsion system design and integration.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at and one of the team will be in contact to help you.