At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the mechanical engineering team and oversee innovative tidal turbine projects.
- Company: Join Orbital Marine Power, a pioneering renewable energy company in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical care, generous holiday allowance, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and hands-on leadership in a growing industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of renewable energy with cutting-edge tidal technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in offshore or marine environments required.
The predicted salary is between 48231 - 58949 £ per year.
- Mechanical Engineering Manager
- Edinburgh or Orkney (hybrid working available)
- About Orbital
Orbital Marine Power is a visionary Scottish renewable energy company focused on the global application of its pioneering floating turbine technology that can supply predictable power from tidal streams and ocean currents, every day, regardless of the weather.
The technology has already been proven at full scale, with the company operating the world’s most powerful tidal turbine since July 2021.
This provides invaluable operational insight while clearly demonstrating the technology’s commercial viability.
With global interest in tidal energy accelerating, Orbital is expanding its team to support larger‑scale manufacture, multi‑turbine delivery and the next stage of commercial growth.
The company recently secured an additional £7m investment and won a major new project in Canada that will see at least six turbines deployed in one of the world’s most promising locations for tidal energy generation.
Orbital enters this next phase with strong momentum and a clear pathway to larger deployments and long‑term expansion.
What this role is about
You will lead Orbital’s Mechanical Engineering team and provide technical authority for the mechanical systems and structural elements of its floating tidal turbines.
Plan and deliver safe, robust and cost-effective engineering across design, analysis, manufacture, assembly, testing and in-service support.
This role is suited to a hands-on engineering leader who enjoys combining technical excellence with team leadership, supplier management and offshore renewable energy innovation.
- What you will be doing
- Leading, developing and supporting the mechanical engineering team, including resource planning, work allocation and technical development.
- Planning and delivering mechanical engineering activities against project programmes and budgets.
- Leading mechanical system and structural design activities, including CAD, FEA, fatigue assessment, design reviews and verification.
- Defining and applying offshore design and safety standards while supporting certification and independent assurance activities.
- Maintaining the integrity and safety of Orbital turbine assets throughout manufacture and operation.
- Providing technical leadership in fabrication, welding, corrosion protection, inspection and quality assurance.
- Managing assembly, fitting and testing activities during turbine build programmes.
- Managing suppliers and major fabrication work packages to achieve safety, quality, schedule and budget objectives.
- Working closely with engineering, projects and operations teams to resolve technical interfaces and ensure consistency of design.
- Supporting preparation of build packs, construction planning and technical documentation.
- Championing Orbital's environmental, health and safety culture
- What you will bring
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related engineering discipline.
- Significant experience in mechanical and/or structural design, ideally within offshore or marine environments.
- Strong engineering analysis capability including FEA and fatigue assessment.
- Knowledge of offshore design standards, with experience of DNV standards advantageous.
- Manufacturing experience with a strong understanding of steel fabrication, welding and design for manufacture.
- Experience leading engineering teams, including performance management, coaching and work planning.
- Budget and supplier management experience across major engineering work packages.
- Practical knowledge of offshore corrosion protection systems.
- Strong technical judgement, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Useful but not essential
- Experience of NDT, inspection planning and manufacturing quality surveillance.
- Experience within renewable energy sectors such as offshore wind, wave or tidal energy.
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership.
- Experience supporting commissioning, operation or maintenance of large offshore systems.
- Understanding of rotating equipment and hydraulic systems.
- Willingness to travel to suppliers, fabrication yards and operational sites when required.
- Why the role matters and why it's interesting
This role offers the opportunity to lead the mechanical engineering function behind some of the world's most advanced tidal energy technology.
You will play a central role in the design, manufacture and deployment of Orbital's floating turbines, helping accelerate the transition to predictable renewable energy across engineering, fabrication, operations and project delivery, you will influence key technical decisions while developing the next generation of offshore renewable energy systems.
Interested in taking things further?
If you would like more information or would like to discuss your suitability, please apply or contact Anita Galbraith at Eden Scott in confidence.
Even if you are not actively looking or do not have an updated CV, you are very welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation.
Eden Scott is working exclusively on this appointment. Any direct or third-party applications to Orbital Marine Power will be directed to Eden Scott for consideration.
Remuneration Package
Orbital offers a competitive salary based on experience, a robust benefits package designed to support the wellbeing, security and long‑term growth of Orbital employees, including private medical care and generous holiday allowance, and excellent opportunities for professional growth as the business continues to expand.
Mechanical Engineering Manager in Livingston employer: Orbital Marine Power Ltd
Orbital Marine Power is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Scotland's renewable energy sector. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, employees benefit from collaborative projects that foster professional growth and hands-on experience in cutting-edge tidal power technology. The company promotes a culture of teamwork and continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the energy industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Manager in Livingston
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Orbital Marine Power Ltd.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Orbital Marine Power Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Orbital Marine Power Ltd and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Manager in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Orbital Marine Power Ltd and the Mechanical Engineering Manager role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbital Marine Power Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Orbital Marine Power Ltd.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Orbital Marine Power Ltd.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Orbital Marine Power Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
