Research & Innovation Engineer (Sustainability)

The Corporation of Trinity House; Tendring; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A maritime organisation is seeking a Research & Innovation Engineer to focus on climate change and sustainability. The role involves assessing data, understanding environmental impacts, and collaborating with various stakeholders across the UK and Ireland. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in environmental science or engineering. This position offers flexible working arrangements and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Background in climate change, sustainability, or environmental science.
• Experience in working on similar research projects is beneficial.
• Aptitude for learning and developing expertise through collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Model and assess data of sea level change and erosion.
• Assess risk from changing weather patterns.
• Understand impacts of changing water chemistry and invasive species.

Skills

Knowledge of climate change and sustainability

Research and development skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Level 6 qualification in environmental management or related area

Job description

Research & Innovation Engineer (Sustainability)

Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.

The General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland (GLAs) are public bodies ensuring the safety of all mariners at sea, maintaining, and developing new and emerging systems that support marine aids to navigation (lighthouses, buoys, and associated systems).

The GLAs are working to understand the impact of climate change to our operations and to innovate new ways to safeguard mariners, whilst also reducing their own contributions to climate change. The GLA Research and Development team (GRAD) conducts this cutting-edge research on behalf of the GLAs and has an exciting new opportunity for a new engineer to work on climate change and sustainability.

The Role

It is anticipated there will be a significant number of research projects on climate change and sustainability over the coming years, with the following examples:

• Modelling and assessing data of sea level change and erosion around the UK & Ireland coastline, and working with colleagues to understand where this might impact GLA assets or introduce new hazards for mariners;
• Assessing the risk from changing weather patterns, especially extreme conditions such as storms and heat waves;
• Understanding the impacts of changing water chemistry and invasive species on GLA assets and equipment;
• It is expected that the sustainability engineer will work with GLA colleagues across the UK and Ireland, liaising with industry and other stakeholders to tailor the best solution.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will have a background in climate change, sustainability, or environmental science or other related engineering discipline, with a relevant level 6 qualification in environmental management or related area, or suitable demonstrable experience. They should demonstrate some knowledge and experience of working on similar projects to the examples given, although it is not expected for the role holder to be an expert in all these topics at this stage.

Ideally the candidate will show aptitude for learning and development of their expertise through collaboration and research skills. Experience of working in a research and development environment, with knowledge of engineering processes is desired. Domain knowledge of maritime affairs is also welcomed.

While this post will ideally be located with the GRAD team in Harwich, although we offer flexible working arrangements. The role will require some national and international travel.

If you are interested in this role, whether you tick all the boxes or not, we encourage you to apply.

We welcome qualified individuals to apply and we look forward to reviewing your applications for this exciting opportunity. We are committed to equity within a respectful, diverse and inclusive environment.

To apply, please complete the online application process, by submitting your CV along with a supporting statement, evidencing how you meet the role requirements.

For more information, please visit the GRAD website at www.gla-rad.org or contact Will Dunning via [e-mail] for an informal chat. Interview: week commencing 3rd November 2025