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- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative wind-assisted propulsion systems for cleaner shipping.
- Company: Fast-growing maritime tech company focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Join a small team with high ownership and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while developing cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering with 5-10 years of marine structure 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. 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.
Structural Design Engineer (Permanent, Contract) in Southampton employer: Walsh Employment
Contact Detail:
Walsh Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Design Engineer (Permanent, Contract) in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime tech industry, especially those who work with wind-assisted propulsion systems. Attend events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – you never know where a chat might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best structural design projects, especially those involving marine structures. Use visuals and detailed descriptions to demonstrate your expertise in 3D CAD and structural analysis.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of classification societies and relevant standards. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role’s requirements, particularly in translating load cases into robust designs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in contributing to cleaner shipping and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Design Engineer (Permanent, Contract) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Structural Design Engineer. Highlight your experience with marine structures and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of developing sustainable technology.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for sustainability and how you can contribute to cleaner shipping. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely motivated by our goals, so let that enthusiasm come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your strong 3D CAD skills and experience with structural analysis. Mention specific software like Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor if you’ve used them. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make your technical expertise clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 FEA 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 projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions, especially around load cases and structural integrity. Brush up on your understanding of DFMA and how it relates to manufacturability, as well as your experience with classification societies like DNV or LR.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
The company values a solution-driven approach, so come equipped with examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to work in fast-paced environments and adapt to changing requirements.