At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead structural design and analysis for innovative clean shipping technology.
- Company: Join GT Wings, a pioneering clean shipping tech company in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, private healthcare, and ownership of impactful projects.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic start-up at a pivotal growth stage.
- Why this job: Shape the future of marine structures and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering with experience in marine structures and structural analysis.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
A Principal Design Engineer is needed to join GT Wings, one of the UK's most exciting clean shipping technology companies. If your background includes class approved marine structures, structural authority responsibility and hands on stress and fatigue analysis, this is a rare opportunity to define the engineering backbone of world first wind propulsion technology.
GT Wings is at a pivotal stage of growth. With its first full scale AirWing installation complete and multiple commercial projects underway, the company is scaling from prototype into repeatable production. Engineering led and purpose driven, GT Wings combines innovation with precision to deliver powerful, class compliant hardware that helps decarbonise global shipping.
Joining as Principal Design Engineer, you will take technical ownership of structural integrity across the AirWing system. You will define and evolve structural design philosophy, translate load cases into validated design requirements, and ensure compliance with classification society standards including DNV and LR.
Key Responsibilities- Lead structural analysis activity including FEA and hand calculations.
- Oversee fatigue and buckling assessments and continuously refine internal analysis capability to reflect real world performance data.
- Act as the primary technical interface with classification societies, driving structural approval and ensuring designs meet global marine standards.
- Work closely with the Head of Engineering and Chief Engineer to support system level decisions, review critical design work and help shape the long‑term product roadmap.
- Degree in Naval, Mechanical, Structural or Marine Engineering.
- Strong experience delivering marine structures approved by classification societies.
- Proven ability to translate load cases into robust, validated structural designs.
- Significant experience in structural analysis including FEA and hand calculations.
- Experience engaging directly with classification societies and driving technical approval.
- Confidence operating as a technical authority within complex hardware programmes.
- Practical engineering judgement and accountability in fast-moving environments.
- Proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor or equivalent 3D CAD, experience with fatigue and large welded structures, aero-structural systems, structural testing and validation or Design for Manufacture principles (advantageous).
In return, you will join an ambitious start-up at a defining stage of growth, working on leading edge maritime hardware with genuine technical ownership. Expect a competitive salary (£65‑£75k DOE), hybrid flexibility with three days onsite in Southampton, private healthcare and the opportunity to shape the structural credibility of a globally scalable clean technology.
Principal Design Engineer – Marine Structures & Cleantech in Southampton employer: wearespot
GT Wings is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of clean shipping technology in Southampton. With a strong focus on innovation and engineering excellence, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages technical ownership and professional growth. The company provides competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and private healthcare, making it an attractive place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the marine industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer – Marine Structures & Cleantech in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially in clean technology. We want you to show them that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We recommend having specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in structural design or analysis. This will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at GT Wings.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer – Marine Structures & Cleantech 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 with marine structures and structural analysis, as well as any hands-on projects that showcase your skills in FEA and compliance with classification societies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about clean shipping technology and how your background aligns with our mission at GT Wings. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Relevant Projects:Include examples of past projects that demonstrate your technical authority and ability to drive structural approval. This could be anything from successful designs to innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity to shape the future of clean shipping technology!
How to prepare for a job interview at wearespot
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marine structures and the specific classification standards like DNV and LR. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with structural integrity and how you've tackled stress and fatigue analysis in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in tools like Siemens NX or Autodesk Inventor. Bring examples of your work that highlight your ability to translate load cases into validated designs, and be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about GT Wings' current projects and future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to apply your engineering judgement. Think about how you would handle complex hardware programmes and ensure compliance with global marine standards. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
