Graduate Structural Design Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton

Graduate Structural Design Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 70000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of innovative marine structures for cleaner shipping solutions.
  • Company: Fast-growing maritime tech company focused on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and excellent benefits package.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.

Location: Southampton – hybrid, 3 days per week on-site

Salary: £70-75K+ (neg) plus excellent benefits package. More may be available for the right candidate. Relocation package and Visa/Sponsorship support available if required.

About the Opportunity

Join a fast-growing maritime technology business developing wind-assisted propulsion systems that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping. This is a hands-on opportunity for a Principal Design Engineer to join a growing engineering team, with broad involvement across the design lifecycle, from concept development through to detailed design and production-ready hardware. Working closely with the Head of Engineering, you will take ownership of key subsystems, helping to deliver designs that are robust, manufacturable, compliant, and ready for real-world use. This role would suit someone genuinely motivated by sustainability and the opportunity to contribute to cleaner shipping.

Key Requirements

  • Degree qualified in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering
  • Around 5-10 years’ experience designing marine structures approved by classification societies
  • Strong 3D CAD skills, ideally Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar
  • Strong experience in structural analysis, including FEA and hand calculations
  • Proven experience translating load cases into robust design requirements and validated structures
  • Experience working directly with classification societies and supporting technical approval
  • Experience with DNV, LR, NK or similar bodies
  • Strong understanding of DFMA, structural integrity, and manufacturability
  • Solution-driven approach
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, chaotic environment

Role & Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and structural development of key product subsystems
  • Lead the mechanical design of subsystems in line with programme objectives
  • Own the development of wing geometry, balancing performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability
  • Develop and manage load cases across classification and real-world operating conditions
  • Translate load cases into clear design requirements
  • Define structural design philosophy and ensure compliance with classification standards
  • Perform and oversee structural analysis and design verification
  • Develop and improve in-house structural analysis tools and methods
  • Lead technical engagement with classification societies
  • Act as the internal authority for stress and fatigue analysis

Why Join?

A rare opportunity to join a business developing real-world clean technology for the global shipping market. You will benefit from working on real climate-impact hardware, enjoying high levels of ownership within a small engineering team, gaining broad exposure from concept through to production, and having the opportunity to grow and progress as the technology scales.

Graduate Structural Design Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton employer: Walsh Employment

Join a pioneering maritime technology company in Southampton, where you will play a crucial role in developing innovative wind-assisted propulsion systems aimed at reducing emissions and fuel consumption in global shipping. With a strong focus on sustainability, our collaborative work culture fosters personal growth and offers extensive opportunities for professional development, all while enjoying a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including relocation support if needed.

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Contact Details:

Walsh Employment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Structural Design Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the maritime tech field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your design work, bring it along to interviews. Visuals can speak louder than words and show exactly what you can do.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your structural analysis and CAD skills, as you might be quizzed on them. Being ready will show you’re serious about the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Structural Design Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton

Naval Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Marine Engineering
3D CAD (Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor)
Structural Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Graduate Structural Design Engineer. Highlight your relevant experience in marine structures and any specific projects that showcase your skills in 3D CAD and structural analysis.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for sustainability and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention any hands-on experience you have in design and engineering.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially in FEA and hand calculations. Mention any experience with classification societies and how you've successfully navigated technical approvals in past roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Walsh Employment

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of structural design principles, especially in marine engineering. Be ready to discuss your experience with 3D CAD software like Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor, and how you've applied structural analysis techniques in past projects.

Show Your Passion for Sustainability

This role is all about contributing to cleaner shipping, so be prepared to talk about why sustainability matters to you. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to reducing emissions and fuel consumption in the maritime industry.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face some technical questions related to load cases, structural integrity, and compliance with classification standards. Brush up on your FEA knowledge and be ready to explain how you've translated load cases into design requirements in previous roles.

Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers! Ask them about their current projects, the team dynamics, and how they approach challenges in a fast-paced environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.