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 mission-driven team with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering with 5-10 years of marine design 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. A relocation package and Visa/Sponsorship support is available for this role if required.
About the Opportunity
Our client is a fast-growing maritime technology business developing wind-assisted propulsion systems that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping. They are now looking to appoint a Principal Design Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is a hands-on role 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 is an excellent opportunity to join a mission-driven business developing real climate-impact technology in a highly innovative environment and would suit someone genuinely motivated by sustainability and the opportunity to contribute to cleaner shipping.
Key Requirements
- We are looking for an experienced Mechanical / Structural / Marine Engineer with strong expertise in marine structural design, analysis, and classification-led approval.
- You should bring:
- Degree qualification in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering
- Around 5-10 years experience designing marine structures approved by classification societies
- Strong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD tools
- 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
Desirable experience includes:
- Experience in fatigue, buckling, and large welded structures
- Exposure to aero-structural systems or other performance-led structural design
- Experience validating models against real-world data
- Knowledge of structural testing, validation, and manufacturing techniques
Role & Responsibilities
As Principal Design Engineer, you will lead the design and structural development of key product subsystems, ensuring they meet performance, compliance, and delivery requirements. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the mechanical design of subsystems in line with programme objectives
- Owning the development of wing geometry, balancing performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability
- Developing and managing load cases across classification and real-world operating conditions
- Translating load cases into clear design requirements
- Defining structural design philosophy and ensuring compliance with classification standards
- Performing and overseeing structural analysis and design verification
- Developing and improving in-house structural analysis tools and methods
- Leading technical engagement with classification societies
- Acting as the internal authority for stress and fatigue analysis
- Supporting and reviewing the work of more junior engineers where appropriate
- Promoting high standards of engineering integrity, safety, and sustainability
Why Join?
This is 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
- High levels of ownership within a small engineering team
- Broad exposure from concept through to production
- The opportunity to grow and progress with the business as the technology scales
Principal Design Engineer 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 in global shipping. With a strong focus on sustainability, our collaborative work culture fosters high levels of ownership and offers extensive opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic engineering team. Enjoy an excellent benefits package, including relocation support and the chance to make a tangible impact on climate change through your work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime tech industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects, especially those related to marine structures. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of structural analysis and design verification. Be ready to discuss your experience with classification societies and how you've tackled real-world challenges in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find opportunities that match your skills and interests. Plus, you'll be part of a mission-driven team focused on sustainability and innovation in shipping.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in marine structural design and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission-driven approach!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for sustainability and how you can contribute to cleaner shipping. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely motivated by the impact of their work.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar tools. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know about your technical expertise right from the start!
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. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsh Employment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your marine structural design knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with classification societies. They’ll want to hear about specific projects you've worked on, so have some examples ready that showcase your expertise in Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Since this role is all about developing clean technology, it’s crucial to express your genuine interest in sustainability. Share any personal projects or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the company’s mission to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Brush up on structural analysis methods, FEA, and how you translate load cases into design requirements. Being able to explain your thought process clearly will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with the Team
This role involves collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with teams in the past. Highlight your experience mentoring junior engineers and how you promote high standards of engineering integrity and safety. Show them you’re a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
