Marine Engineer

Stafforce Ports; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Independent engineering role

Job summary

Stafforce Ports is seeking an experienced Marine Engineer to support the maintenance and upkeep of a tug vessel operating from Southampton or Portsmouth.

This hands-on role requires a capable, self-sufficient engineer who can diagnose issues efficiently and ensure the vessel remains safe, compliant, and operationally ready. You will perform planned and reactive maintenance, working with operations teams and taking ownership of engineering activities onboard.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Marine Engineer with commercial marine background.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, propulsion, hydraulics and marine electrical systems.
• Ability to fault-find and resolve engineering issues independently.
• Comfortable working alone and taking ownership of engineering decisions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance on tug vessel machinery and systems.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and auxiliary equipment faults.
• Maintain main propulsion systems, generators, pumps, winches, and deck machinery.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure vessel safety and compliance.
• Keep accurate maintenance records and report defects or concerns.
• Source and recommend replacement parts and engineering solutions when required.
• Liaise with external contractors, suppliers, and surveyors as necessary.
• Support vessel readiness and operational reliability at all times.

Skills

Marine engineering

Diesel engines

Propulsion systems

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Fault-finding

Independent work

Education

NVQ/HNC

City & Guilds

MCA

Job description

Location: Southampton or Portsmouth
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week (flexible)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Part-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Marine Engineer to support the maintenance and upkeep of our tug vessel operating from either Southampton or Portsmouth.

This is a hands‑on role requiring a confident and self‑sufficient engineer who can work independently, diagnose issues efficiently, and ensure the vessel remains safe, compliant, and operationally ready.

The successful candidate will be responsible for both planned and reactive maintenance, working closely with operational teams while taking ownership of engineering activities onboard.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance on tug vessel machinery and systems.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and auxiliary equipment faults.
• Maintain main propulsion systems, generators, pumps, winches, and deck machinery.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure vessel safety and compliance.
• Keep accurate maintenance records and report any defects or concerns.
• Source and recommend replacement parts and engineering solutions when required.
• Liaise with external contractors, suppliers, and surveyors as necessary.
• Support vessel readiness and operational reliability at all times.
• Respond to urgent maintenance requirements when necessary.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience as a Marine Engineer, preferably within the commercial marine sector.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, propulsion systems, hydraulics, and marine electrical systems.
• Ability to fault‑find and resolve engineering issues independently.
• Comfortable working alone and taking ownership of engineering decisions.
• Strong understanding of marine safety procedures and engineering best practices.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Experience working on tugboats, workboats, pilot boats, or similar commercial vessels.
• Relevant marine engineering qualifications (NVQ, HNC/HND, City & Guilds, MCA or equivalent).
• Knowledge of planned maintenance systems.
• Welding, fabrication, or hydraulic repair experience.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑motivated and proactive.
• Practical problem solver with strong attention to detail.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Able to prioritise workload effectively.
• Strong communication skills.
• Professional approach with a commitment to maintaining high engineering standards.

What We Offer

• Flexible part‑time working arrangement, Days and Times to suit
• Opportunity to work independently in a trusted engineering role.
• Varied and interesting work within the marine sector.
• Salary may be negiotable depending on experience and qualifications.
• Long‑term opportunity with a respected marine operation.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients.