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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the performance of RNLI assets and design new boats and equipment.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a leading lifesaving organisation dedicated to saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a safety-critical environment with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by contributing to lifesaving missions and innovative engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; practical experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
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. They depend on the lifeboats, systems and equipment we provide 365 days a year. Our lifeboats are amongst the best in the world, and we are continually seeking to improve their performance, safety, reliability and supportability throughout their operational life.
About The Job
We are looking for a proactive and technically capable Engineer / Associate Engineer to support the in‑service performance of existing RNLI assets and the design and integration of new boats and equipment. This role is suited to individuals from a range of marine, mechanical, electrical, or naval architecture backgrounds, who are motivated by practical engineering problem‑solving and working with operational assets in a safety‑critical environment.
Your Role
- Provide engineering support for maintenance, troubleshooting and improvement of RNLI marine systems and equipment.
- Support design, procurement and integration of new boats and equipment.
- Investigate, diagnose and conduct root‑cause analysis of technical faults across a range of onboard systems.
- Introduce, integrate or modify systems and equipment on existing marine platforms.
- Work collaboratively with cross‑disciplinary engineering teams to develop practical and robust solutions.
- Produce and review technical documentation such as reports, test evidence, assessments and modification proposals.
- Ensure engineering activities are conducted in line with relevant maritime regulations, internal standards and safety requirements.
- Liaise with suppliers, OEMs, surveyors, operational teams and other stakeholders.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience working with engineering systems in a marine, offshore, defence or similarly regulated operational environment.
- Ability to analyse technical problems and apply structured fault‑finding techniques.
- Understanding of engineering assurance, safety considerations and regulatory compliance.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
- Experience supporting in‑service assets or operational equipment.
- Experience in commercial procurement, vessel design and supplier engagement.
- Exposure to systems integration across mechanical, electrical and electronic domains.
- Experience working with marine craft, vessels or complex mobile assets.
- Incorporated Engineer status or working towards professional registration.
If not all essential criteria are met, suitable candidates may be considered for an Associate Engineer role, with development and progression opportunities.
Application Information
For more information and to apply, please visit our jobs page.
Closing Date: 7 May 2026.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
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. 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.
Engineer / Associate Engineer in Poole employer: The Engineer UK
Contact Detail:
The Engineer UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer / Associate Engineer in Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the marine engineering field, attend industry events, and connect with RNLI staff on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your engineering projects, especially those related to marine systems. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common engineering questions and scenarios. Think about how you’d tackle real-life problems, especially in safety-critical environments like the RNLI.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the RNLI team and our mission to save lives at sea.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer / Associate Engineer in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for saving lives at sea shine through. We want to see how your background in engineering aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to our lifesaving efforts.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in marine, mechanical, or electrical engineering. We love seeing how your skills can directly support the performance and safety of our lifeboats and equipment.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your technical skills and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our jobs page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Engineer UK
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your engineering principles, especially those related to marine systems. Be ready to discuss how your background in mechanical, electrical, or naval architecture can contribute to the RNLI's mission of saving lives at sea.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully diagnosed and resolved technical issues. Highlight your structured fault-finding techniques and how they led to practical solutions in a safety-critical environment.
✨Understand the RNLI's Values
Familiarise yourself with the RNLI's core values: trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable. Be prepared to explain how these values resonate with you and how you embody them in your work.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Since the role involves producing technical documentation, being able to convey complex information simply will be key during your interview.