Senior Design Engineer

Marine Resources; England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine engineering firm in Southampton is seeking a Senior Design Engineer in Composites/Mechanical to manage design projects for luxury superyachts. Candidates must have over 8 years of marine engineering experience, ideally in yachts, along with BEng/MEng qualifications. Proficiency in 3D CAD and Rhinoceros software is essential for developing high-quality projects in a collaborative environment. This role involves leading projects from concept to delivery and engaging with a range of stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in a marine engineering design role, ideally within luxury yacht sector.
• Proficient in 3D parametric CAD and Rhinoceros software.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with teams and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead project-based design for superyacht projects from concept to delivery.
• Produce detailed manufacturing 3D models and drawings.
• Engage specialist skills from the design team and mentor junior members.

Skills

Marine engineering design

3D parametric CAD

Rhinoceros software

2D AutoCAD

Interpersonal skills

Structural calculations

Detail-oriented

Education

BEng / MEng qualification

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Senior Design Engineer – Composites / Mechanical

Location: Southampton

Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000

An established design and manufacturing team is seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join their Design Office. Reporting to the Design Office Manager, the successful candidate will lead project‑based designs across a broad spectrum of disciplines, collaborating with external design teams and clients, and delivering the complete technical design for new build projects with support from other team members.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead project‑based design, managing semi‑production and custom superyacht tender projects from concept to delivery.
• Produce detailed manufacturing 3D models and drawings for in‑house and subcontract tooling, composite, and fabrication facilities, working closely with manufacturing teams to maintain a design‑for‑production approach.
• Deliver original design input in the development of vessels, including tooling, composite, and mechanical systems.
• Incorporate small craft system elements into master 3D models in collaboration with the Engineering Department.
• Create and maintain design‑led bills of materials for each project.
• Research new equipment, materials, systems, and design solutions to support development projects.
• Work closely with the shop floor to optimize production‑led solutions and capture as‑built information.
• Engage specialist skills from other design team members, and mentor and develop junior members of the team.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a marine engineering design role, ideally within the luxury yacht sector, with a BEng / MEng qualification, and preferably some practical operational or manufacturing experience. A portfolio of previous work is advantageous.
• Highly proficient in 3D parametric CAD and Rhinoceros software, with additional 2D AutoCAD competency.
• Proficient in standard business software such as MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• High‑level knowledge of small power craft construction and design.
• Focused and productive, with excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues, external suppliers, shipyards, and clients.
• Experience in carrying out structural calculations for fabricated items and composite engineering, including lift points, covering both initial structural analysis and production engineering.
• Knowledge of the superyacht industry and operational requirements of yacht tenders.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Ability to hand sketch and 3D model new tender concepts that reflect the style and detailing of a mothership. A supporting portfolio of previous work is highly desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to technically challenging and high‑quality projects within a collaborative and design‑led environment. Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting an up‑to‑date CV.