Research & Innovation Engineer (Visual Signalling)

Research & Innovation Engineer (Visual Signalling)

Permanent
Harwich
£47,498.00 – 54,998.00 per annum
37 hours per week

Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.

Do you enjoy supporting innovation at a national and international level? Would you like to enhance your reputation working with a team of highly respected experts on cutting-edge technology that makes a real difference to keeping all safe at sea? If so, this role could be for you!

The role

This role supports delivery of visual signalling projects within the department, working on aspects such as refining the cooling design of LED light sources, on-site light intensity measurement of lighthouses and investigations into the use of drones for visual signalling performance confirmation. The jobholder will manage these types of projects, as well as carry out technical tasks and write reports to inform GLA colleagues of key conclusions. These projects are focussed on ensuring that the GLAs can provide a robust service to the mariner by developing new products, design tools for engineers and carrying out light measurements.

What you will do

• Support delivery of visual signalling projects, including refining cooling design of LED light sources, measuring light intensity, testing drone use for performance confirmation.
• Manage projects, carry out technical tasks, and write reports to inform GLA colleagues of key conclusions.
• Work alongside other engineers to manage, maintain and use light measurement facilities in Harwich.

What we need from you

• Science or engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Practical experience of engineering in a marine environment.
• Effective communication of technical matters.
• Strong project management skills.
• Open-minded, innovative and driven.
• Physical fit to handle safe manual handling at lighthouses; some travel required.

Additional information

The candidate will concentrate on visual signalling projects but may work in other areas such as radionavigation and communication services. This gives opportunity to broaden knowledge and experience.

Contract of employment with Trinity House, located with GRAD team in Harwich. Offer flexible working arrangements. Role requires national and international travel. Safe manual handling practices required; reasonable physical fit.

How to apply

If you would like to discuss this role, contact the Principal Visual Signalling Engineer, Dr Alwyn Williams, on grad.recruitment@gla-rad.org for an informal chat. For more about who we are and what we do, visit the GRAD website at www.gla-rad.org.

Interview: week commencing 9th February 2026

We welcome qualified individuals to apply; we are committed to equity within a respectful, diverse and inclusive environment.

Please complete the online application process by submitting your CV and supporting statement evidencing how you meet the role requirements.