Marine Engineer – Expression of Interest

About Us

K39C is delivering complex, mission-critical marine systems and infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence and allied navies. From warship propulsion and structural integrity to submarine systems, our engineers work at the forefront of national security and maritime innovation.

The Role

We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced Marine Engineers to join our Naval Programmes team, supporting the design, integration and through-life engineering of surface ships and submarines. You will work within a multidisciplinary team of naval architects, systems engineers and project managers to deliver safe, compliant and high-performing defence vessels.

These roles are suited to experienced marine engineers with solid marine or mechanical engineering experience who are ready to take on greater technical ownership, mentor junior colleagues and contribute to programmes of national significance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, analyse and support the integration of marine engineering systems (propulsion, auxiliary machinery, HVAC, piping, or structural systems) on naval vessels
• Produce and review technical documentation, including specifications, drawings and engineering reports, to MOD and classification society standards
• Support technical risk assessments, safety cases and through-life engineering for in-service and new-build vessels
• Liaise with naval architects, systems engineers and MOD stakeholders to ensure design integration across disciplines
• Provide technical input during build, commissioning and sea trials as required
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and graduate engineers
• Ensure compliance with defence standards (Def Stan), classification society rules, and relevant British Standards/Eurocodes

About You

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related discipline
• Proven experience in marine/naval engineering, ideally within defence, shipbuilding, or a related regulated sector
• Working knowledge of naval or classification society standards (e.g., the Def Stan 02-series naval engineering standards, Lloyd’s Register, DNV)
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a relevant institution (IMarEST, IMechE) desirable
• Strong technical report writing and stakeholder communication skills
• Comfortable working within a security-cleared environment

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of this work, successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC) as a minimum. Eligibility will depend on the requirements of the relevant programme and may include nationality and UK residency criteria. Some roles may require a higher level of clearance and may be subject to additional nationality restrictions arising from security or export-control requirements. Further information on UK national security vetting is available from UK Security Vetting (UKSV). www.gov.uk/government/organisations/united-kingdom-security-vetting

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where programme and security requirements allow
• Career development, chartership support and funded professional membership
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

Location / Working Arrangements

UK-based, with location dependent on programme requirements. Roles may involve attendance at K39C, client or MOD sites.

K39C is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.