Senior Engineer - In-Service Support

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. They depend on the lifeboats and equipment we provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our lifeboats are amongst the best in the world but we’re constantly looking at ways in which we can improve their performance, safety and reliability.

Your role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer with a background in naval architecture to join our dynamic In-Service Support team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing the performance, safety, and reliability of our marine platforms throughout their operational lifecycle.

As a Senior Engineer, you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

• Provide expert engineering support for in-service marine platforms, ensuring performance and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Apply naval architecture principles to assess structural integrity, stability, materials / coatings, and hydrodynamic performance.
• Lead and support investigations into technical issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, production, and project management to deliver engineering solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and modification proposals.
• Liaise with coastal teams, surveyors, suppliers, and classification societies / certifying authorities to ensure alignment with project requirements and standards.
• Manage & mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential skills and experience

• Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a marine engineering role with a strong understanding of naval architecture principles.
• Experience in supporting in-service vessels, including maintenance, upgrades, and defect investigation.
• Proficiency in engineering software tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Maxsurf, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership.
• Proficiency in using PDM/PLM systems, with a solid understanding of configuration control principles and asset management processes.
• Background in the defence or commercial maritime industries.
• Familiarity with the MCA Workboat Code, MGN 280, or the Brown Code.
• Experience working with classification societies and managing approval processes.
• Previous experience as a Search and Rescue (SAR) operator with the RNLI or an independent lifeboat organisation.

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.