Engineer the Quantum RevolutionYour expertise can help us shape the future of quantum computing at Oxford Ionics.

View Open Roles

Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer

Navantia UK
Bath
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer

Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer

Chief Motor Controls Engineer

Commissioning Manager

Lead Power Electronics Engineer

Reader/Professor in Aerospace Engineering

About the job


Navantia UK is a leading provider of innovative naval solutions, specialising in the design, construction, and lifecycle support of naval ships. As part of the global Navantia Group, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge technologies and world-class services across the maritime sector. Based in Bristol, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Power and Propulsion Engineer to join our team and play a key role in delivering high-quality naval architecture solutions for naval and complex commercial shipbuilding projects.



Job Description


Navantia UK are looking for an experiencedLead Power and Propulsion Engineerto join our engineering team at Navantia UK. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled individual to lead the design and integration activities for both power and propulsion systems in advanced naval projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and optimization of power and propulsion systems, ensuring that they meet operational, safety, and performance requirements for modern naval platforms.


As theLead Power and Propulsion Engineer, you will lead the technical aspects of both power and propulsion system design, from conceptual design through to construction and in-service support. You will work closely with other engineering teams, including naval architecture, structural engineering, transversal engineering and systems engineering, to ensure seamless integration of power and propulsion systems with the ship’s overall design, balancing performance, efficiency, and operational requirements.


The role will require expertise inpower and propulsion systems, including machinery selection, integration, and optimization, electrical system architecture as well as ensuring compliance with relevant naval and maritime regulations. Additionally, you will be involved in integratingalternative propulsion technologiesandfuture fuels, ensuring that designs meet the evolving demands of modern naval platforms. A key part of the role will also be to incorporateenergy saving and emission reduction technologies, along with addressingsafety considerationsrelated to new technologies. Furthermore, you will be responsible for thedevelopment of power and propulsion operational modesandcontrol and monitoring system specificationsto ensure seamless operation across various conditions.


This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and complex shipbuilding programmes, undertaking cost / capability trade-offs, supplier engagement and specification, ensuring seamless integration of power & propulsion systems into the ship design. You will be instrumental in delivering solutions that meet operational requirements while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.


Key Responsibilities:


  • Lead the power and propulsion engineering team, providing technical direction, oversight, and mentorship to ensure the successful design, integration, and optimization of power and propulsion systems.
  • Oversee the selection, design, and integration of power and propulsion machinery, including prime movers, auxiliary systems, shafting, propellers, gearboxes, motors and energy management systems.
  • Oversee the development and specification ofpower generation and distribution systems, ensuring efficient and reliable energy management throughout the platform.
  • Develop and optimizeenergy management strategies, incorporating solutions that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support sustainability goals.
  • Ensure that both power and propulsion systems meet operational, safety, and regulatory standards, while delivering the required performance, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with naval architects, structural engineers, marine engineers and systems engineers to ensure effective integration of power and propulsion systems with the ship’s other systems.
  • Integratepropulsion technologiesinto ship designs, considering the use of innovative energy sources, full electric, hybrid propulsion systems, andfuture fuels.
  • Develop and optimizepower and propulsion operational modes, considering various operating conditions, to ensure system flexibility, efficiency, and reliability.
  • Contribute to the development ofcontrol and monitoring system specificationsfor power and propulsion systems, ensuring that they support effective operation, diagnostics, and performance optimization.
  • Develop strategies forenergy saving and emission reduction technologies, ensuring that designs incorporate the latest advancements in reducing the environmental impact of propulsion systems.
  • Addresssafety considerationsrelated to the integration offuture fuels, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for safe handling and storage.
  • Contribute to the development oftechnical specifications, drawings, and performance criteria for power and propulsion systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Manage the integration of power and propulsion systems within the overall ship design, ensuring systems are efficiently aligned with the overall ship layout and functional requirements.
  • Work closely with the project management team to ensure that power and propulsion system designs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required technical standards.
  • Collaborate with external stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and suppliers, to ensure that power and propulsion systems meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.
  • Provide expert guidance and support during the construction phase and in-service support, addressing any operational issues and implementing necessary improvements.


Qualifications


  • A degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Masters or equivalent is highly desirable).
  • Significant experience (8+ years) in power and propulsion engineering, with a strong background in naval or marine engineering projects.
  • Expertise in the design, integration, and optimization ofpower and propulsion systemsfor complex naval and complex commercial ships, including prime movers, auxiliary systems, shafting, and propellers.
  • Experience withpower and propulsion technologies, such as integrated full electric, hybrid propulsion, prime movers, power generation, propulsors, other innovative energy sources, and a strong understanding of their integration into naval platforms.
  • Knowledge ofenergy saving and emission reduction technologiesand their application in reducing the environmental footprint of power and propulsion systems.
  • Experience with the integration offuture fuels, including considerations forsafety, handling, storage, and system compatibility.
  • Experience in thedevelopment of power and propulsion operational modesto optimize system performance across varying operational conditions.
  • Expertise in developingcontrol and monitoring system specifications, ensuring systems are capable of tracking, managing, and optimizing the performance of power and propulsion equipment.
  • Knowledge ofenergy management systemsand their role in optimizing power and propulsion system performance and efficiency.
  • A deep understanding of naval and maritime design codes, including classification society rules and regulations, and their application to power and propulsion systems.
  • Familiarity with systems analysis and integration processes and tools, such as power and propulsion analysis and comparison tools, 2D and 3D CAD software and other industry-standard tools.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex engineering challenges related to power and propulsion systems.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, and to provide technical leadership to junior engineers.
  • Strong project management skills, with experience in delivering engineering projects on time and within budget.
  • A passion for engineering excellence, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement in power and propulsion system design and integration.


Additional Information


Equal Opportunity: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.


If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at and one of the team will be in contact to help you.


If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Pre-Employment Checks for UK Space Jobs Jobs: DBS, References & Right-to-Work and more Explained

The space industry represents one of the most strategically significant and technologically advanced sectors in modern aerospace, with space professionals playing crucial roles in developing satellite systems, advancing space exploration technologies, and transforming applications from Earth observation and telecommunications to space manufacturing and planetary exploration. As the space sector experiences unprecedented growth through commercial space ventures and national space programmes, pre-employment screening processes have become increasingly sophisticated and security-focused. Space careers span diverse environments from satellite manufacturers and launch service providers to space agencies, Earth observation companies, and emerging space tourism operators. Each sector brings unique screening requirements reflecting the strategic sensitivity of space technologies, the mission-critical nature of space systems, and the critical importance of maintaining both national security standards and operational reliability. Understanding space industry pre-employment screening helps professionals navigate career opportunities effectively whilst enabling employers to identify candidates capable of contributing to space innovation whilst maintaining appropriate security standards, mission assurance protocols, and technical excellence. The screening processes examine not only technical space competencies but also security clearance eligibility, systems engineering capabilities, and ability to work effectively within the highly regulated space ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of pre-employment screening practices across space careers, from basic right-to-work verification through enhanced security clearance processes, technical competency assessment, and industry-specific requirements. Whether pursuing opportunities in satellite engineering, launch systems development, space science research, or space operations management, understanding these screening processes enables space professionals to prepare effectively and advance their careers successfully. The space sector's unique combination of cutting-edge technology, mission-critical reliability, and strategic importance creates screening requirements that reflect both the technical demands of space systems engineering and the security considerations of nationally strategic technologies. These processes ultimately support the continued advancement of the space industry by ensuring high professional standards and technical competence necessary for successful space missions and responsible space technology development.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Launch Your Career in Space: The UK's Cosmic Revolution

The United Kingdom stands at the forefront of a space revolution that's fundamentally transforming how we communicate globally, navigate precisely, monitor our planet's climate, and explore the cosmos beyond Earth. From the advanced satellite technologies developed by British companies powering global communications networks to the revolutionary space propulsion systems enabling deep space missions, the UK's leadership in space technology, satellite manufacturing, and space services has created an unprecedented demand for skilled space professionals that dramatically exceeds the current talent supply. If you've been seeking a career at the final frontier of human exploration or looking to position yourself in one of the most strategically critical and inspirational sectors of the modern economy, space represents an extraordinary opportunity. The convergence of NewSpace commercialization, satellite mega-constellation deployment, space manufacturing advancement, and interplanetary exploration acceleration has created perfect conditions for space career success.

Automate Your UK Space Jobs Search: Using ChatGPT, RSS & Alerts to Save Hours Each Week

Space jobs are scattered across satellite manufacturers, payload houses, launch startups, space-data scaleups, national labs and UK public sector frameworks—often buried in ATS portals or duplicated across boards. The smart play isn’t more scrolling; it’s automation. With keyword-rich alerts, RSS feeds and a reusable ChatGPT workflow, you can bring high-signal roles to you, triage them in minutes, and tailor stronger applications without burning your evenings. This copy-paste playbook is for www.ukspacejobs.co.uk readers. It’s UK-centric, practical, and focused on saving you hours every week. What You’ll Have Working In 30 Minutes A role & keyword map covering systems, AOCS/GNC/flight dynamics, RF/TT&C, payloads, avionics/FSW, power/thermal/structures/propulsion, AIT/AIV, ground segment & ops, EO/space data, and mission assurance/QA. Shareable Boolean searches you can paste into Google & job boards to cut noise. Always-on alerts & RSS feeds delivering fresh roles daily. A ChatGPT “Space Job Scout” prompt that deduplicates, scores fit and outputs application actions. A lightweight pipeline tracker so nothing slips through the cracks.