Graduate Detailed Design Engineer

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

As a Graduate Detailed Design Engineer, you will support the development of detailed engineering designs and production information for naval and commercial marine vessels. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will produce and modify technical drawings, engineering models and design documentation to ensure vessel structures and systems are designed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. The role provides an opportunity to develop technical expertise in ship design, engineering analysis, and CAD technologies while contributing to the successful delivery of complex marine projects.

The Role

• Produce and maintain detailed engineering drawings, layouts and models for ship structures and systems.
• Support the development of design solutions in line with project requirements, industry standards and class rules.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, bills of materials and production packages.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses to support vessel design activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and workshop teams to resolve technical issues.
• Review design changes and maintain drawing and document control.
• Attend vessels, workshops and construction areas to support inspections, surveys and design verification activities.
• Support manufacturing and construction teams by providing technical clarification.
• Assist with design checking activities to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve design quality, efficiency and production processes.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and complete work in line with project schedules.
• Adhere to company health, safety, environmental and quality procedures and promote safe working practices.
• Participate in training and development activities to support professional growth and progression towards professional registration.

• MEng degree (or expected degree) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ship Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• Membership of, or willingness to work towards membership of, a relevant professional engineering institution (e.g. IMarEST, IMechE or RINA), with the aim of achieving Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status through the Engineering Council.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new engineering and design software packages as required.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance where necessary.

This is an opportunity to start your career in a unique industry, working on complex shipbuilding programmes that require precision, coordination and technical excellence.

You’ll gain practical experience, receive structured development and build skills that will support your long-term career in production planning, manufacturing or operations.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

***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.