Associate Engineer (Naval Architect)

Salary: £29,079 to £34,210 (dependent on experience) Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full Time Additional Information: Flexible working will be considered Location: Poole, Dorset, England Location Description: Hybrid working arrangement between home and Poole, with a requirement to work in the office 3 days per week Interview Location: Poole, Dorset Interview Date: w/c 26th January 2026 Closing Date: 18-01-2026 Reference: 21073

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. Since the 19th century, our crews have been risking their lives to save those who are in danger of drowning.

We’re seeking a Graduate Naval Architect to join our Engineering Transformation team. This team leads the delivery of the RNLI’s major asset engineering programmes, including the Coastal Lifeboat, Atlantic-85 Mk4, and the SIMS replacement projects.

In this role, you’ll support the development of the structures, stability, equipment, and human-factors design across all RNLI floating assets. Working closely with colleagues in engineering, production, procurement, maintenance, and operations, you will contribute to new-build projects and the development of new equipment aligned with the RNLI’s five-year plan.

Your passion for creating and assessing innovative, practical, and cost-effective engineering and design solutions will play a vital part in helping us deliver the next generation of lifesaving capability.

Some of the benefits

- Salary of £29,079 to £34,210 (dependent on experience) - Flexible working - 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays - Competitive pension scheme - Life assurance

Your role

As a Graduate Naval Architect, you will be tasked with focusing on the following areas:

- Assist with the design and development work and configuration change control of technical documentation to facilitate the through-life product configuration of all assets and their associated equipment using the RNLI business systems and processes. - Ensure that the designs for the RNLI plant, equipment, and procedures are developed in accordance with E&S processes and standards. - Work within the E&S project teams and project managers to ensure work is completed to agreed timescales and that engineering processes are followed. - Act as a designated engineering signatory in accordance with the E&S delegated authority. - Assist in providing technical support to coastal staff and volunteers. - Undertake technical investigations, troubleshooting, trials and analysis of data at boatyards, contractors’ premises and on-board plant. - Become involved in other ad hoc tasks and projects as required.

About you

You’ll be a dynamic, output-focused individual who is looking to develop their career in an exciting engineering environment. To be considered for this role, you will need:

- A RINA accredited Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering qualification equivalent to the England, Wales, and Northern Ireland qualification Level 5 as defined by the UK government, or at Level 3 or 4 with proven additional experience. - A dynamic and motivated individual with a positive attitude. - A team player, able to collaborate and perform under pressure. - A proven ability to develop novel strategies to overcome issues and to innovate to improve operational delivery. - Good communication skills, both written and presentational.

Other organisations may call this role “Graduate Maritime Engineer”.

So, if you want to grow your technical skills and understanding and want to see how this role supports our organisation’s aim to save lives at sea, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.

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