Project Engineer

Navantia UK; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Navantia UK is seeking a Project Engineer to act as the technical heartbeat of multiple complex projects across Belfast and surrounding assets. You will guide concepts through to completion, influence investment decisions, and ensure safety, efficiency and compliance with highest standards.

You will work in a hands‑on, autonomous environment where your leadership, planning and problem‑solving skills directly impact current operations and future innovation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent HNC/HND with significant relevant experience.
• APM/Prince2 qualifications are a bonus.
• Eligibility for Baseline Security Clearance.
• Strong understanding of HSE processes and industry standards.
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to prioritise tasks and deliver results.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset — someone who challenges, innovates and drives improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of multiple projects across sites and assets.
• Provide technical input into planning, estimating and project management to keep delivery on time, on budget and on spec.
• Manage project risks, maintain risk registers and capture lessons learned.
• Develop resource plans and ensure effective utilisation across projects.
• Act as the technical focal point for the business unit and drive change and technical excellence.
• Chair subcontractor meetings and produce progress reports for stakeholders.
• Produce drawings and documentation for control and electrical systems.
• Support site teams with fault‑finding and technical assistance as required.
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and ways of working.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers and subcontractors.

Skills

Project leadership

Communication

Planning

Problem solving

Proactive mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or HNC/HND

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.

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

Are you ready to take the technical lead on high‑impact engineering projects that shape the future of our facilities, plant and equipment? At Navantia UK, we’re growing fast — and we’re looking for a driven Project Engineer who thrives on solving complex problems, leading technical delivery, and making a real difference across our operations.

This is your chance to join a team where your expertise is valued, your ideas matter, and your work directly supports both current business and future innovation.

Why This Role Matters

As a Project Engineer, you’ll be the technical heartbeat of our projects — guiding them from concept to completion. You’ll influence investment decisions, shape engineering solutions, and ensure our facilities continue to operate safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

If you enjoy variety, autonomy and the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll take ownership of the technical delivery of multiple projects, including:

• Leading the full project lifecycle — defining scopes, setting objectives and ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Providing technical input into planning, estimating and project management to keep delivery on time, on budget and on spec.
• Managing project risks, maintaining risk registers and capturing lessons learned.
• Developing resource plans and ensuring effective utilisation across projects.
• Acting as the technical focal point for the business unit — driving change, communication and technical excellence.
• Chairing subcontractor meetings, producing progress reports and ensuring clear communication across stakeholders.
• Producing drawings and documentation for control and electrical systems.
• Supporting site teams with fault‑finding and technical assistance when required.
• Driving continuous improvement across systems, processes and ways of working.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Participating in management reviews, KPI reporting and development activities.

Qualifications

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills. You’ll need:

• A degree in Engineering, or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience.
• Project management capability — APM/Prince2 qualifications are a bonus.
• Eligibility for Baseline Security Clearance.
• Strong understanding of HSE processes and industry standards.
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to prioritise tasks and deliver results.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset — someone who challenges, innovates and drives improvement.

A commitment to living our STEADY Values: Service, Trust, Excellence, Agility, Dedication, You

Where You’ll Work

You’ll split your time between our Belfast office, workshops and operational assets — including cranes, pumphouses, docks and outdoor environments. Some travel and occasional overnight stays may be required.

This role suits someone who enjoys hands‑on engineering as much as strategic project leadership.

What You Can Expect

You’ll join a supportive, forward‑thinking team where you’ll have the autonomy to lead your work, the opportunity to influence major projects, and the space to grow your career. You’ll be encouraged to innovate, collaborate and continuously develop your skills.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your engineering career and want to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

Additional Information

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

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, we focus 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.