Weld Engineering Technician

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime 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.

The Weld Technician is responsible for ensuring that all welding activities are planned, qualified, controlled and executed in accordance with applicable international standards, customer specifications and statutory requirements. The role provides technical expertise in welding engineering, supports production teams, oversees welding quality and compliance, and contributes to continuous improvement in welding processes.

The Weld Technician acts as the technical authority for welding operations and supports the implementation and maintenance of the company's welding quality management system in accordance with ISO 3834 and relevant fabrication standards.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities 

• Coordinate Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs) and welding procedure qualification testing.
• Review customer welding specifications and contract requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable welding codes and standards.
• Support Operations in resolving welding-related technical issues.
• Coordinate welder qualification testing.
• Maintain welder qualification records.
• Monitor qualification validity and renewal dates.
• Assess welder performance and recommend additional training where required.
• Ensure welders remain qualified for the work being undertaken.
• Monitor welders’ performance during production to ensure correct adherence to Welding Procedures.
• Monitor and supervise welders’ training in conjunction with Welding Foremen.
• Visual inspection of completed welds.
• Maintain the appropriate systems and records (WPQR/WPS/welders registers) to control all aspects of welding performance across the Company.
• Liaise with customer representatives, classification societies and third-party inspectors.
• Participate in witness inspections and procedure qualification tests.
• Review manufacturing record books and welding documentation prior to project handover.
• Ensure inspection and test plans (ITPs) adequately address welding requirements.
• Review and interpret Welding Standards and Industry Specifications i.e. BS EN 15614, DNV-OS-C401, NORSOK M101, AWS D1.1
• Analyse welding performance and defect trends.
• Support PEMA line & manual weld processes to Identify opportunities to improve productivity and weld quality.
• Implement best practices and lessons learned.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Education and Experience

• International Welding Technologist (IWT), qualification awarded by an IIW/EWF Authorised National Body, (or working towards)
• HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Welding Engineering.•    Thorough understanding of welding metallurgy and fabrication techniques.

Desirable
•    International Welding Engineer (IWE) qualification awarded by an IIW/EWF Authorised National Body.
•    CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector or equivalent.
•    PCN or ASNT NDT certification.
•    Degree in Mechanical or Welding Engineering.
•    Experience working with naval or defence contracts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of ISO 3834.
• Working knowledge of EN 1090, EN ISO 15614, EN ISO 9606, EN ISO 5817 and EN ISO 14731.
• Knowledge of classification society requirements (Lloyd's Register, DNV, ABS, Bureau Veritas, etc.).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and welding symbols.
• Excellent understanding of welding procedure qualification.
• Strong knowledge of destructive and non-destructive testing methods.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Excellent report writing and technical documentation skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Effective communicator at all organisational levels.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
• Able to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Committed to continuous professional development.

• Competitive base pay
• Company pension
• 33 days holiday
• Life assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan (optional)

***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.

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