Principal Design Engineer

Job description

You will like

Leading Mechanical/Structural Design Engineering hybrid working from Ocean City of Southampton with a pioneering maritime technology business. This company is rapidly expanding within the green shipping sector, developing innovative wind-assisted propulsion systems that are making a tangible difference to reducing fuel use and emissions on a global scale. Working for this forward-thinking organisation means you’ll be part of a passionate team committed to environmental sustainability, innovation, and engineering excellence. Enjoy a collaborative, dynamic environment with the chance to contribute to technology that truly has a climate impact.

You will like

This Principal Design Engineer Mechanical/Structural role itself which offers you the opportunity to take ownership of the design and development of key structural and marine subsystems. From initial concept through to production-ready hardware, you’ll be involved in every stage of the engineering process. You’ll lead and shape structural design, work closely with classification bodies, and ensure your work meets the highest standards of robustness, manufacturability, and compliance. It’s a hands-on role that combines technical leadership with innovative design, offering real scope to influence cutting-edge projects in a fast-paced environment.

PS Full job specification will be made available to shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

You will have

To succeed as a Principal Design Engineer, you will need:

• A degree in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering
• Approximately 5-10 years' experience designing approved marine structures, with familiarity of classification society standards (DNV, LR, NK, etc.)
• Strong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD software
• Experience in structural analysis, including FEA and hand calculations
• A proven track record translating load cases into reliable, validated structural designs
• Experience collaborating with classification societies and supporting technical approval processes
• Good understanding of DFMA, structural integrity, and manufacturability principles
• A solution-driven mindset and resilience in a fast-changing environment

Desirable qualifications include experience with fatigue, buckling, large welded structures, and knowledge of structural testing and validation techniques.

You will get

As a Principal Design Engineer, you will enjoy a competitive salary in the range of £65-85K, plus benefits:

• Relocation support and Visa/Sponsorship assistance if required
• A Friday-to-Friday work pattern with hybrid flexibility—3 days in Southampton
• The chance to work on purposeful, climate-positive hardware impacting global shipping
• Ownership of technical projects with significant scope for growth and progression
• A lively, innovative environment that values your expertise and ideas

You can apply

to this exciting Principal Design Engineer role by pushing the button on this job posting, or by sending your CV in confidence to anthony@macstaff.co.uk.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater Southampton Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

18-04-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English