Lead Hydraulics Technician – Elite Sailing Team

Athena Racing; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Company Pension Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

GB1 is expanding its hydraulics shore support team in Portsmouth to lead the workshop crew responsible for the assembly, installation, and maintenance of high‑performance hydraulic actuation systems for the America’s Cup yacht.

The role requires a mechanical apprenticeship or equivalent in fluid power, extensive experience with >350 bar hydraulics, and proven team leadership under tight deadlines in motorsport or marine settings. Competitive package offered in a world‑class team.

Qualifications

• Recognized mechanical apprenticeship, vocational qualification, or equivalent experience in fluid power systems.
• Significant experience in the assembly, maintenance, and fault-finding of high-pressure hydraulic systems (>350 bar) in motorsport, aerospace, or marine environments.
• Demonstrable experience leading a team of technicians, with mentorship and high-pressure workflow management.
• Proficiency in reading complex hydraulic schematics and engineering drawings for accurate installation and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of a group of hydraulic technicians, including staff scheduling, workflow management, and maintaining safety and cleanliness standards.
• Oversee assembly, installation, and plumbing of hydraulic hardware onto the race yacht.
• Develop and arrange maintenance schedules for hydraulic systems, adhering to lifing policies and service intervals.
• Direct daily dock-out operations to prepare the yacht for sailing and ensure systems are ready for operation.
• Manage inventory of hydraulic spares, seals, fittings, and consumables for rapid turnaround and regatta support.
• Oversee construction, maintenance, and operation of hydraulic test rigs for component validation and system flushing.
• Inspect parts for wear, fatigue, or corrosion and report feedback to the Design Team.

Skills

Team leadership

Hydraulic systems

High-pressure hydraulics

Reading drawings

Instrumentation setup

Communication

Education

Mechanical apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

CATIA

Job description

GB1 is expanding its hydraulics shore support team in Portsmouth to lead the workshop crew responsible for the assembly, installation, and maintenance of high‑performance hydraulic actuation systems for the America’s Cup yacht.

The role requires a mechanical apprenticeship or equivalent in fluid power, extensive experience with >350 bar hydraulics, and proven team leadership under tight deadlines in motorsport or marine settings. Competitive package offered in a world‑class team.