At a Glance
- 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 dynamic team with opportunities for growth and hands-on involvement.
- 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 60000 - 80000 £ 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 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 creativity and ownership, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on climate change while working in a hybrid setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local engineering meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common structural design questions and scenarios. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and get feedback on your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your best projects, especially those related to marine structures. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you’ve tackled real-world challenges in your designs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Design Engineer
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 in marine structures and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to cleaner shipping. We love seeing genuine motivation, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your strong 3D CAD skills and experience with structural analysis. If you've worked with classification societies or have knowledge of DFMA, make sure to include that too. We’re keen to see your technical prowess!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsh Employment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around structural design and marine engineering. Be ready to discuss your experience with 3D CAD software like Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor, and how you've tackled structural analysis in past projects.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
This role is all about contributing to cleaner shipping, so let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share examples of how you've integrated eco-friendly practices into your designs or projects, and why this matters to you.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills in chaotic environments. Think of specific instances where you had to translate load cases into design requirements or manage compliance with classification standards, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Engage with Classification Societies
Since you'll be working closely with classification societies, prepare to discuss your experience in this area. Highlight any successful collaborations or approvals you've secured, and be ready to talk about how you can lead technical engagements effectively.
