At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and operate high-power tug machinery in a fast-paced port environment.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a leader in marine solutions with a focus on teamwork and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension matching, life cover, and company-funded training.
- Other info: 1 week on/1 week off rotation with a supportive and diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Take on real engineering challenges and pave your way to Chief Engineer.
- Qualifications: STCW III/3 certification and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54605 - 54605 £ per year.
Not Everyone Is Cut Out for Tug Work - That’s Exactly the Point.
Svitzer is looking for a Marine Engineer to join our Felixstowe operation. This is not a passive maintenance role. Tug engineering is hands-on, demanding, and unforgiving of shortcuts. You will be relied upon to keep powerful vessels operational in a fast-moving port environment, where downtime is not an option and standards matter.
If you want responsibility, real engineering challenges, and a genuine route to Chief Engineer, this is where you earn it.
This Is What the Job Really Looks Like
- Maintaining and operating high-power tug machinery in a live port environment
- Diagnosing faults and fixing problems under pressure
- Owning the condition, safety, and readiness of your engine room
- Supporting the Master and crew to keep the tug operational at all times
- Working as part of a small, professional crew where trust and competence matter
If you’re looking for a quiet engine room, this isn’t it. If you want to become a better engineer, it probably is. Because tug engineering should be done properly.
What You Get
- Salary from £54,605.71 per annum with regular reviews
- Time-for-Time contract
- Pension matched up to 10%
- Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
- 7 days leave after 3 years’ service
- Company-funded training and certification
- Uniforms and PPE provided
- Employee Assistance Programme
What You Bring
- STCW III/3 Engineering Officer of the Watch minimum (III/2 preferred)
- Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum 6 months validity)
- Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and problem-solving skills
- Harbour towage or small-vessel experience preferred
- A professional mindset and pride in safe, reliable engineering
- The right to live and work in the UK
- Ideally living within one hour commute of Felixstowe port
- A full UK driving licence and own transport are required to access the port
If you want to progress to become our next Chief Engineer, this could be the move that defines your career.
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single qualification? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Svitzer is a people company. Offering uninterrupted marine solutions requires not only the best equipment but also the best people. Our ambition is to attract and continuously develop the industry’s best craftsmen. Both at sea and on land - worldwide, wherever our customers do business. We are driven by skilled, professional and dedicated people and we work together as one company to provide safe, reliable and efficient services to our customers. We support and develop our people’s skills and capabilities and we care for the development of both teams and individuals. To best serve our customers, we strive to ensure the right people and the best teams for the job, every time and we believe diversity is a strength.
Marine Engineer - Felixstowe in Suffolk employer: Svitzer Americas
Contact Detail:
Svitzer Americas Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Marine Engineer - Felixstowe in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on experience! If you can, try to get some time on a tug or similar vessel. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you real-life examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current and former Svitzer employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and maybe even refer you for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your fault-finding and maintenance skills. Be ready to showcase how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Svitzer team.
We think you need these skills to ace Marine Engineer - Felixstowe in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for marine engineering shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the challenges and responsibilities that come with tug work.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any hands-on experience you have in fault-finding, maintenance, or working in a fast-paced environment. We love seeing how your background aligns with the demands of the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes managing your applications a breeze. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer Americas
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to marine engineering, especially tug machinery. Be prepared to discuss specific systems you've worked on and how you've tackled challenges in a live port environment.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Since this role involves diagnosing faults under pressure, think of examples from your past where you've successfully identified and resolved issues quickly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This position requires working closely with a small crew, so highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a team’s success, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Express Your Ambition
Svitzer values career progression, so make it clear that you're eager to develop your skills and aim for the Chief Engineer position. Discuss any relevant training or certifications you’re pursuing and how they align with your career goals.