Weights & Lifting Structural Engineer

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.

Job Description

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Shipbuilding

At Navantia UK, we are delivering some of the most ambitious shipbuilding and heavy-engineering projects in the country. We are looking for a talented Structural Weights & Lifting Engineer to join our Production Engineering team in Belfast and help ensure that every major lift, turn and movement of critical structures is executed safely, efficiently and with engineering excellence.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of large-scale marine and defence programmes—where your expertise will directly influence production performance, operational safety and project success.

About the Role

As a Weights & Lifting Structural Engineer, you will be the technical authority for all lifting and turning operations across the shipyard. You’ll apply engineering analysis, modelling and strong problem-solving skills to develop safe, practical and cost-effective lifting plans and methodologies. You will collaborate closely with production teams, clients and third-party specialists, ensuring that every operation meets rigorous industry standards and reflects best practice. You’ll also play a hands‑on role by attending key lifts on-site to confirm compliance and continuously improve our engineering processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce detailed calculations, analyses, drawings and documentation for safe heavy lifting and turning operations.
• Develop lifting plans and reports to support work packages and project design books.
• Assess lifting requirements against yard capabilities, lifting equipment inventory and industry good practice.
• Maintain forward planning for workload, deadlines and resource needs, in collaboration with the Production Engineering Manager.
• Deliver solutions that are safe, cost-effective and fit for purpose.
• Maintain an electronic database of lifting arrangements and documentation.
• Engage with clients, attend site visits and participate in reviews as required.
• Support operational teams during execution of lift activities and provide expert guidance on best lifting practices.
• Keep up to date with relevant standards, legislation and regulations (BS, API, DCR, HS&E, EU directives).
• Review the implementation of your lifting designs on-site and feed lessons learned back into future designs.

Qualifications

About You

You are an analytical, detail-driven engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges. You enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, and you bring a practical mindset to safety-critical operations.

Skills & Experience

• Strong CAD/CAM and 3D modelling experience.
• Demonstrable experience producing calculations and engineering analyses for heavy lifting operations using recognised software tools.
• Confident communicator, able to work effectively with technical teams, clients and operational personnel.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise engineering reports.
• Degree-qualified Structural Engineer or Naval Architect (or equivalent).
• Postgraduate experience or technical project/process management experience in relevant heavy engineering environments.

Additional Information

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.

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