At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering projects in structural and composite design across various sectors.
- Company: Join NOV Fiber Glass Systems, a leader in advanced composite solutions.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, sponsored MSc progression, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentoring from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make an impact in engineering while working on innovative and diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and strong foundational knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the Role
NOV Fiber Glass Systems UK Ltd is seeking a Graduate Engineer to join our Plymouth engineering team in a full-time position commencing in July 2026.
This role is ideally suited to a graduate with an interest or background in structural or composite engineering who is eager to develop practical engineering design experience within a leading global organisation.
Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, the successful candidate will support a variety of projects across the Civil, Construction, and Oil & Gas sectors.
The role offers exposure to structural calculations, product design, finite element analysis, technical documentation, and innovative engineering solutions, alongside sponsored professional development through MSc to Chartered Engineer (CEng) progression.
About the Company
NOV Fiber Glass Systems UK Ltd designs, manufactures, and installs advanced composite and thermoplastic solutions for a broad range of industries, including Oil & Gas, Marine & Offshore, Waste Water, and Naval sectors.
Bespoke systems are engineered to meet customer-specific requirements while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and innovation.
As part of NOV, a globally recognised leader in energy industry technology and services, we are committed to delivering engineering excellence and supporting the development of future talent.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join an industry-leading engineering business
- Exposure to diverse and technically challenging projects
- Structured development and mentoring from experienced engineering professionals
- Sponsored progression through MSc to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
- Career development opportunities within a global organisation
- Collaborative and professional working environment
- Hands-on experience with advanced engineering technologies and methodologies
Key Responsibilities Essential Responsibilities
- Provide engineering support across structural and civil engineering activities, including structural calculations, laminate and joint design, finite element analysis (FEA), structural system design, and product innovation.
- Produce draft engineering designs for review by the Senior Engineering Manager.
- Revise and correct engineering designs for client review under the direction of the Senior Engineering Manager.
- Prepare technical documentation for approval.
- Complete NOV software, technical, and general training requirements.
- Support additional engineering and operational activities as required by the business and line management.
Qualifications & Skills Essential Qualifications
- Degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Composite Engineering, or a related discipline, ensures strong foundational engineering knowledge.
- Engineering fundamentals: Strong understanding of mechanics, stress analysis principles, technical drawing (3D CAD proficiency), materials science with some knowledge of fibre reinforced composite materials and related manufacturing methods
- Ability to manage workload effectively and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.
- Good written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn specialist engineering software and tools.
- Desired Qualifications
- Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software or structural design tools.
- Knowledge of composite materials and structural systems.
- Previous internship, placement, or project experience within engineering or manufacturing environments.
- Understanding of engineering standards, regulations, and best practices relevant to Civil, Construction, or Oil & Gas sectors.
- Soft Skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new challenges.
- Strong customer focus with commitment to internal and external stakeholder support.
- Collaborative team player who works effectively with peers to solve problems.
- Professional and confident communicator in both written and verbal interactions.
- Self-motivated with a commitment to continuous learning and career development.
- Able to exercise sound judgement while working under pressure and within deadlines.
- Positive attitude toward challenges and continuous improvement opportunities
- Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed
Composite Design Engineer in Plymouth employer: NOV
At NOV, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering our Electro Mechanical Service Technicians a dynamic work environment at our Kintore facility and beyond. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and the chance to work in diverse technical settings, including international and offshore locations. Our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation fosters a collaborative culture where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Composite Design Engineer in Plymouth
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Composite Design Engineer role you’re after at NOV.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at NOV a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at NOV.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Composite Design Engineer at NOV, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Composite Design Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Composite Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at NOV a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to NOV specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at NOV
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with NOV, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like NOV want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.