Associate Engineer (Naval Architect)

Royal National Lifeboat Ins titution (RNLI); Poole; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime rescue charity in the UK is seeking a Graduate Naval Architect to join their Engineering Transformation team. You will support major asset engineering programs and ensure the design compliance of RNLI assets. This role involves technical documentation, troubleshooting, and collaboration across teams. Candidates should have a RINA accredited qualification, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude. Salary ranges from £29,079 to £34,210, with flexible working and generous benefits like annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Flexible working

26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Competitive pension scheme

Life assurance

Qualifications

• A RINA accredited qualification equivalent to England level 5 or level 3/4 with experience.
• Dynamic and motivated with a positive attitude, able to perform under pressure.
• Proven ability to innovate and improve operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design and development work of technical documentation.
• Ensure design compliance with E&S Processes and Standards.
• Provide technical support to coastal staff and volunteers.
• Undertake technical investigations and troubleshooting.

Skills

Team work

Good communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

RINA accredited Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering qualification

Job description

We're seeking a Graduate Naval Architect to join our Engineering Transformation team. This team leads the delivery of the RNLI's major asset engineering programmes, including the Coastal Lifeboat, Atlantic‑85 Mk4, and the SIMS replacement projects. In this role, you'll support the development of the structures, stability, equipment, and human‑factors design across all RNLI floating assets. Working closely with colleagues in engineering, production, procurement, maintenance, and operations, you will contribute to new‑build projects and the development of new equipment aligned with the RNLI's five‑year plan. Your passion for creating and assessing innovative, practical, and cost‑effective engineering and design solutions will play a vital part in helping us deliver the next generation of lifesaving capability, as a Graduate Naval Architect you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

• Assist with the design and development work and configuration change control of technical documentation to facilitate the through‑life product configuration of all assets and their associated equipment using the RNLI business systems and processes.
• Ensure that the design of RNLI plant, equipment and procedures are developed in accordance with E&S Processes and Standards.
• Work within the E&S project teams and project managers to ensure work is completed to agreed timescales and that engineering processes are followed.
• Act as a designated engineering signatory in accordance with the E&S delegated authority.
• Assist in providing technical support to coastal staff and volunteers.
• Undertake technical investigations, troubleshooting, trials and analysis of data at boatyards, contractor's premises and on‑board plant.
• Become involved in other ad hoc tasks and projects as required.
• Be a dynamic, output‑focused individual who is looking to develop their career in an exciting engineering environment. To be considered for this role you will need:
• A RINA accredited Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering qualification equivalent to the England, Wales and Northern Ireland qualification level 5 as defined by the UK government, or at level 3 or 4 with proven additional experience.
• A dynamic and motivated individual with a positive attitude. A team player, able to collaborate and perform under pressure.
• A proven ability to develop novel strategies to overcome issues and to innovate to improve operational delivery.
• Good communication skills, both written and presentational.
• Good team working, organisation, communication and attention to detail.
• Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. Since the 19th century, our crews have been risking their lives to save those who are in danger of drowning.
• Salary £29,079 to £34,210 (dependent on experience)
• Flexible working
• 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance