Principle Design Engineer (Marine)

Principal Design Engineer\n\nLocation: Southampton – hybrid, 3 days per week on-site\nSalary: £65-85K plus excellent benefits package\n\nA relocation package is available for this role if required.\n\nAbout the Opportunity\n\nOur client is a fast-growing maritime technology business developing wind-assisted propulsion systems that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping.\n\nThey 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.\n\nWorking 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.\n\nKey Requirements\n\nWe are looking for an experienced Mechanical / Structural / Marine Engineer with strong expertise in marine structural design, analysis, and classification-led approval.\n\nYou should bring:\n\nDegree qualification in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering\n\nAround 5-10 years’ experience designing marine structures approved by classification societies\n\nStrong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD tools\n\nStrong experience in structural analysis, including FEA and hand calculations\n\nProven experience translating load cases into robust design requirements and validated structures\n\nExperience working directly with classification societies and supporting technical approval\n\nExperience with DNV, LR, NK or similar bodies\n\nStrong understanding of DFMA, structural integrity, and manufacturability\n\nSolution-driven approach\n\nComfortable working in a fast-paced, chaotic environment\n\nDesirable experience includes:\n\nExperience in fatigue, buckling, and large welded structures\n\nExposure to aero-structural systems or other performance-led structural design\n\nExperience validating models against real-world data\n\nKnowledge of structural testing, validation, and manufacturing techniques\n\nRole & Responsibilities\n\nAs Principal Design Engineer, you will lead the design and structural development of key product subsystems, ensuring they meet performance, compliance, and delivery requirements.\n\nResponsibilities will include:\n\nLeading the mechanical design of subsystems in line with programme objectives\n\nOwning the development of wing geometry, balancing performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability\n\nDeveloping and managing load cases across classification and real-world operating conditions\n\nTranslating load cases into clear design requirements\n\nDefining structural design philosophy and ensuring compliance with classification standards\n\nPerforming and overseeing structural analysis and design verificationDeveloping and improving in-house structural analysis tools and methods\n\nLeading technical engagement with classification societiesActing as the internal authority for stress and fatigue analysis\n\nSupporting and reviewing the work of more junior engineers where appropriate\n\nPromoting high standards of engineering integrity, safety, and sustainability\n\nWhy Join?\n\nThis is a rare opportunity to join a business developing real-world clean technology for the global shipping market.\n\nYou will benefit from:\n\nWorking on real climate-impact hardware\n\nHigh levels of ownership within a small engineering team\n\nBroad exposure from concept through to production\n\nThe opportunity to grow and progress with the business as the technology scales\n\nExcellent package and opportunity.