At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative wind-assisted propulsion systems for sustainable shipping.
- Company: Fast-growing maritime tech company focused on climate-impact engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, visa sponsorship, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clean technology while owning projects from concept to production.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5-10 years of marine structure design experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 £ per year.
Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience. If you are a good match, make an application.
£65,000 - £85,000 + Benefits + Relocation + Visa Sponsorship (if required)
Work on real climate-impact engineering. Not theory.
We are hiring a Principal Design Engineer to join a fast-growing maritime technology company developing wind-assisted propulsion systems that reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll own key subsystems from concept through to production.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead mechanical and structural design of critical subsystems
- Own wing geometry development - balancing performance + manufacturability
- Develop and manage load cases (real-world + classification)
- Translate requirements into robust, production-ready designs
- Perform and oversee FEA + structural analysis
- Act as technical lead with classification societies (DNV, LR etc.)
- Be the go-to expert for stress & fatigue analysis
- Support and mentor junior engineers
What you'll need:
- Degree in Naval / Mechanical / Structural / Marine Engineering
- 5-10 years designing marine structures (classification-approved)
- Strong 3D CAD (NX, Inventor or similar)
- Solid FEA + hand calculations experience
- Experience with DNV, LR, NK or similar
- Strong understanding of DFMA & structural integrity
Bonus points if you have:
- Fatigue, buckling, or large welded structures experience
- Exposure to aero-structures or performance-led design
- Structural testing & validation experience
Why this role stands out:
- Work on real clean-tech hardware
- Join a scaling engineering business
- Own designs from concept to production
- Genuine career progression as the company grows
Principal Design Engineer in Portsmouth employer: Prospectus IT Recruitment
Join a pioneering maritime technology company that is at the forefront of clean-tech innovation, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful engineering projects that contribute to a sustainable future. With a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including relocation and visa sponsorship, we foster a collaborative and growth-oriented culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their designs and advance their careers in a rapidly expanding industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local engineering meetups. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications after a week or so. A quick email can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. We believe persistence pays off!
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings and apply directly. We often have roles that might not be listed elsewhere, and applying through us can give you a better chance of standing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant projects and achievements that align with the role of Principal Design Engineer, especially in marine structures.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about climate-impact engineering and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves hands-on leadership, be sure to detail your experience with 3D CAD software and FEA analysis. Mention specific projects where you've led design efforts or tackled complex engineering challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospectus IT Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marine structures and propulsion systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with FEA, load cases, and the specific software like NX or Inventor. The more you can demonstrate your expertise, the better!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be prepared to talk about your experience mentoring junior engineers and leading projects. Share specific examples of how you've guided teams through challenges and contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research the company’s focus on climate-impact engineering and wind-assisted propulsion systems. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of reducing fuel consumption and emissions in global shipping.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to stress and fatigue analysis, as well as design principles. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
