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- 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: Hybrid work model with opportunities to mentor junior engineers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clean-tech while owning projects from concept to production.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering with 5-10 years of marine structure design experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 £ per year.
Work on real climate-impact engineering. 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 will 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 and manufacturability
- Develop and manage load cases (real-world and classification)
- Translate requirements into robust, production-ready designs
- Perform and oversee FEA and structural analysis
- Act as technical lead with classification societies (DNV, LR etc.)
- Be the go-to expert for stress and fatigue analysis
- Support and mentor junior engineers
What you’ll need:
- Degree in Naval, Mechanical, Structural or Marine Engineering
- 5-10 years designing marine structures (classification-approved)
- Strong 3D CAD (NX, Inventor or similar)
- Solid FEA and hand calculations experience
- Experience with DNV, LR, NK or similar
- Strong understanding of DFMA and structural integrity
- Bonus points if you have fatigue, buckling, or large welded structures experience
- Exposure to aero-structures or performance-led design
- Structural testing and 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 Southampton employer: Prospectus IT Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Prospectus IT Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience. We want you to highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise, especially in mechanical and structural design.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for climate-impact engineering! When discussing your projects, emphasise how your designs contribute to sustainability. We love seeing candidates who align with our mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are ready to take ownership of their designs.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in marine structures and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of reducing emissions in global shipping!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for climate-impact engineering and explain why you're excited about working with us. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership and technical expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone with strong 3D CAD skills and experience in FEA. Make sure to include examples of your work that showcase these abilities. If you’ve worked with classification societies like DNV or LR, don’t forget to mention that too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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, structural analysis, and any relevant projects you've worked on. This is your chance to show that you’re not just a theory person but someone who can apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers and leading design projects, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to translate complex requirements into actionable designs and how you’ve supported others in their development.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Classification Societies
Understanding the standards set by classification societies like DNV and LR is crucial. Do some research on their requirements and be ready to discuss how your previous work aligns with these standards. This will demonstrate your readiness to act as a technical lead in this area.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company’s projects, culture, and future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.