At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct surveys on lifeboats and equipment, ensuring top-notch safety standards.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a dedicated organisation saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 26 days leave, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting lifesaving operations with your technical expertise.
- Qualifications: Experienced engineer with strong mechanical and electrical knowledge.
Salary: €59,487 to €69,985 / £42,479 to £49,976 (dependent on experience)
Vehicle: A vehicle will be made available to carry out your duties
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Additional Information: Homebased with travel to RNLI locations and contractor sites
Interview Date: Week of 12th Oct
Closing Date: 27-09-2026
Reference: 21992
About Us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We’re looking for a Technical Surveyor to join our surveying team to provide cover nationally, conducting surveys annually on every RNLI All Weather Lifeboat and additionally on station launch and recovery assets. As a specialist in mechanical & electrical systems, you will support the Principal and Senior Surveyors to ensure that our lifeboats and launching equipment are built and maintained to the highest possible standards. You will play an important part in providing our volunteer crews with the reliable equipment they need to continue to safely save lives at sea. This is a great opportunity to take on an exciting role that offers responsibility and is both challenging and rewarding.
Some of the Benefits
- €59,487 to €69,985 / £42,479 to £49,976 (dependent on experience)
- Homebased
- Flexible working
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
Your Role
As a Technical Surveyor, condition surveys of RNLI assets will make up much of your work, and by the nature and spread of these, you will be travelling away to survey on a regular basis; on average, from two to four nights away per week. You will also get involved in projects at the RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat Centre at Poole. You will work at our approved external contractors’ sites overseeing/supporting contracts for repairs, refits, and new construction of lifeboats and launch and recovery assets. You will work closely with contractors, ensuring all work completed is done in accordance with RNLI specifications and providing, as requested, any information or parts they need to meet their contractual obligations. Interpretation of drawings against the physical repair during this process will be an essential skill, along with a proven track record in contract management. Beyond that, you'll get involved in the negotiation of tenders, liaise extensively with colleagues in the Engineering and Supply Department and be the principal point of contact and driving force behind sea trials, working with project stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and QMS (ISO 9001) to achieve the best outcome for the RNLI.
About You
To be our Technical Surveyor (machinery), you will:
- Be an experienced engineer with first-rate technical knowledge in both mechanical and electrical systems with a good understanding of diesel power plants and hydraulics.
- Be able to conduct condition and pre-refit surveys and write concise, detailed reports.
- Be a strong Project Manager, capable of negotiating, reporting on and delivering potentially variable packages of work to an efficient steady-state production schedule.
- Communicate well with people at all levels, together with an assertive but tactful approach.
- Have good organisational and IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft 365 suite of software.
- Since you will be travelling to various RNLI locations and contractor sites, a current clean driving licence is essential, and a vehicle will be made available to carry out your duties.
As this is a sea-going appointment, you will need to satisfy the institution's medical and eyesight standards. All of the above should be carried out for the RNLI to help enable us to save lives at sea. This should be achieved with Health and Safety aspects in mind at all times.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out, dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable) and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Technical Surveyor (Machinery) in Poole employer: RNLI
RNLI is an exceptional employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture, offering flexible working arrangements from home while allowing for meaningful travel across Scotland. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth, all while contributing to a vital cause that saves lives at sea. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Surveyor (Machinery) in Poole
✨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 Technical Surveyor (Machinery) role you’re after at RNLI.
✨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 RNLI 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 RNLI.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Technical Surveyor (Machinery) at RNLI, 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 Technical Surveyor (Machinery) in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Surveyor (Machinery), 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 RNLI 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 RNLI 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 RNLI
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with RNLI, 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 RNLI 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.
