Principal System Engineer

SubSea Craft Limited; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative technology company in Portsmouth seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead technical projects in the water industry. You will manage project delivery from initiation to completion, providing technical advice on ecological and environmental requirements. The ideal candidate will have proven project management experience, ecological expertise, and a relevant degree. This role offers a competitive remuneration package and predominantly on-site work with occasional remote options.

Benefits

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave

Life assurance equal to 4× salary

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Health Cash Plan

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable expertise in ecology, river/wetland restoration, and biodiversity enhancement.
• Proven project-management experience with planning and permitting requirements.
• Experience translating regulatory environmental requirements into deliverable work streams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers to deliver technical projects within the water industry.
• Coordinate work with sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• Provide technical advice on ecology, planning, and development.

Skills

Project management

Ecology expertise

Biodiversity enhancement

Environmental policy

Education

Degree in a relevant environmental discipline

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer (Technical Lead)

Location: Portsmouth – predominantly onsite with occasional remote working
Duration: 6 months
Contract: Inside IR35, Umbrella

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of engineers to deliver technical projects within the water industry.
• Manage project delivery from initiation through to completion, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time and to a high standard.
• Coordinate work with sub‑contracted consultancy teams, translating regulatory environmental requirements into actionable work streams.
• Provide technical advice on ecology, planning, development, and environmental policy to support business objectives.
• Assist and mentor professional development of Nature Based Solutions specialists.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrable expertise in ecology, river/wetland restoration, biodiversity enhancement, planning and development.
• Proven project‑management experience, including planning and permitting requirements.
• Evidence of delivering quality, multidisciplinary tasks on time and to a consistent high standard.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub‑contracted consultancies.
• Experience translating regulatory environmental requirements into deliverable work streams.
• Degree in a relevant environmental discipline (Masters in Hydroecology desirable). Chartership or working towards chartership highly desirable.

Senior Nature Based Solutions Specialist

Location: Flexible (ideally West Sussex or Hampshire) – 1 day a week in Durrington, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: circa £55,000 (depending on skills and experience)

Responsibilities:

• Support delivery of regulatory investigations, impact assessments, ecological schemes and compliance requirements.
• Manage projects through the full lifecycle, delivering outcomes within given timescales.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including regulators (EA and NE), other water companies, the water industry, and catchment partnerships.
• Advise the wider business on ecology, planning, development and environmental policy.
• Contribute to industry forums and technical working groups to promote the Catchment First approach.
• Assist and mentor the professional development of Nature Based Solutions specialists.

Benefits

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4× salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support available for job‑related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

Closing Date: 2026‑01‑02