Principal Design Engineer

Location: Southampton - hybrid, 3 days per week on-site
Salary: £65-85K plus excellent benefits package

A relocation package is available for this role if required.

About the Opportunity

Our client is a fast-growing maritime technology business developing wind-assisted propulsion systems that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping.

They 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.

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 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.

Key Requirements

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical / Structural / Marine Engineer with strong expertise in marine structural design, analysis, and classification-led approval.

You should bring:

Degree qualification in Naval, Mechanical, Structural, or Marine Engineering

Around 5-10 years' experience designing marine structures approved by classification societies

Strong proficiency in Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or similar 3D CAD tools

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

Desirable experience includes:

Experience in fatigue, buckling, and large welded structures

Exposure to aero-structural systems or other performance-led structural design

Experience validating models against real-world data

Knowledge of structural testing, validation, and manufacturing techniques

Role & Responsibilities

As Principal Design Engineer, you will lead the design and structural development of key product subsystems, ensuring they meet performance, compliance, and delivery requirements.

Responsibilities will include:

Leading the mechanical design of subsystems in line with programme objectives

Owning the development of wing geometry, balancing performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability

Developing and managing load cases across classification and real-world operating conditions

Translating load cases into clear design requirements

Defining structural design philosophy and ensuring compliance with classification standards

Performing and overseeing structural analysis and design verificationDeveloping and improving in-house structural analysis tools and methods

Leading technical engagement with classification societiesActing as the internal authority for stress and fatigue analysis

Supporting and reviewing the work of more junior engineers where appropriate

Promoting high standards of engineering integrity, safety, and sustainability

Why Join?

This is 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

High levels of ownership within a small engineering team

Broad exposure from concept through to production

The opportunity to grow and progress with the business as the technology scales

Excellent package and opportunity. Call Rachel NOW on (phone number removed) or apply online with CV Library