Commissioning Manager

Navantia UK; Belfast; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is seeking an experienced Commissioning Manager in Belfast to oversee the commissioning and testing of naval platforms for the UK Ministry of Defence. The role requires significant shipbuilding experience, strong stakeholder management abilities, and a background in marine engineering. The position is pivotal in ensuring compliance and operational readiness of naval vessels, offering an opportunity to influence complex engineering projects within the UK’s defence sector.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in shipbuilding, marine engineering or ship commissioning.
• Strong understanding of ship systems, machinery and maritime regulations.
• Ability to manage complex engineering programmes and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Confident communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-moving project environment.
• SC clearance is desirable; candidates must be eligible to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full Test & Commissioning programme across multiple ship systems.
• Prepare and maintain the commissioning schedule.
• Act as the main point of contact for commissioning and trials matters.
• Ensure activities align with customer requirements and safety standards.
• Managing commissioning documentation through the Completions Management System (CMS).
• Reviewing and approving FAT, HAT and SAT procedures and reports.
• Supporting safe systems of work, including permits, RAMS and controls for high-risk activities.
• Coordinating vendor support and technical input during commissioning.
• Participating in Acceptance Working Groups, Test Group meetings and sea trials.
• Monitoring progress using standard metrics and providing clear updates to senior management.
• Managing punch-list closure and ensuring all test procedures are completed and signed off.
• Ensuring commissioning activities are carried out safely and without conflict with other ongoing work.

Skills

Shipbuilding experience

Marine engineering knowledge

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

Ability to work in a dynamic environment

Education

Degree in Marine Engineering

Master's degree or Chartered status

Job description

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, security and energy transition ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state‑of‑the‑art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Description

Navantia UK is looking for an experienced and motivated Commissioning Manager to support the delivery of new naval platforms for the UK Ministry of Defence and other programmes. This is a key role where you will lead the commissioning and testing of major engineering systems, ensuring each vessel is safe, compliant and fully operational before acceptance into service.

This position suits someone who enjoys complex engineering challenges, working collaboratively with diverse teams, and delivering high‑quality outcomes in a fast‑paced environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the full Test & Commissioning programme across multiple ship systems and engineering disciplines.
• Preparing, maintaining and updating the commissioning schedule.
• Acting as the main point of contact for Navantia, the Authority (MOD) and classification societies on all commissioning and trials matters.
• Ensuring commissioning activities align with the Verification Matrix (VCRM), Build Specification and customer requirements.
• Managing commissioning documentation through the Completions Management System (CMS).
• Reviewing and approving FAT, HAT and SAT procedures and reports.
• Supporting safe systems of work, including permits, RAMS and controls for high‑risk activities.
• Coordinating vendor support and technical input during commissioning.
• Participating in Acceptance Working Groups, Test Group meetings and sea trials.
• Monitoring progress using standard metrics and providing clear updates to senior management.
• Managing punch‑list closure and ensuring all test procedures are completed and signed off.
• Ensuring commissioning activities are carried out safely and without conflict with other ongoing work.

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience in shipbuilding, marine engineering or ship commissioning.
• Strong understanding of ship systems, machinery and maritime regulations.
• Ability to manage complex engineering programmes and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Confident communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast‑moving project environment.
• SC clearance is desirable; candidates must be eligible to obtain it.
• On‑site role based in Belfast.
• Travel and occasional overnight stays may be required.
• Some extended hours may be needed during key project phases.
• Low physical risk, but a strong focus on safety and compliance is essential.

Role level

This is a senior specialist position. You will be recognised as a subject matter expert, working on complex issues, influencing stakeholders and contributing to medium‑ and long‑term planning within your area.

Our values

Service – Trust – Excellence – Agility – Dedication – You

Qualifications

• Degree or SQEP in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related field.
• A master’s degree or Chartered status is an advantage.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on‑line please contact us at [e-mail] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of Service, Trust, Excellence, Agility, Dedication, and You, focuses on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.