Chief Engineer
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
£58,300
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3512 (90% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £58,300, and Svitzer is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3512 Ship and hovercraft officers Most likely code | £40,800 Clears | £58,300 Clears | £58,300 Clears | £58,300 Clears |
2122 Mechanical engineers Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £37,400 Clears | £42,100 Clears | £46,800 Clears |
8232 Marine and waterways transport operatives Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Svitzer is looking for a Chief Engineer to join our Southampton operation, working on terminal towage and marine services.
This is not a supervisory role from the sidelines.
As Chief Engineer, you are hands-on, accountable, and ultimately responsible for keeping powerful tug vessels operational in a demanding, safety-critical environment where downtime is not an option.
If you want real ownership, technical challenge, and responsibility this is the role where it counts.
This Is What The Job Really Looks Like
- Maintaining and operating high-power tug machinery in a live port environment
- Diagnosing faults and fixing problems under pressure
- Owning the condition, safety, and readiness of your engine room
- Supporting the Master and crew to keep the tug operational at all times
- Working as part of a small, professional crew where trust and competence matter
If you want to be trusted with real authority and responsibility, it probably is.
Why Svitzer?
Because tug engineering should be done properly.
- 1 week on / 1 week off rotation – work hard, then properly switch off
- Modern, well-maintained fleet – no corner-cutting, no neglected machinery
- A company that expects high standards — and backs you to meet them
- Local technical support – close, capable, responsive
We promise one worthy of the title Chief Engineer.
What You Get
- Competitive Salary of £68,440.88 per annum
- Permanent, Time-for-Time contract
- Pension matched up to 10%
- Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
- Uniforms and PPE provided
Minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer
If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
How To Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Svitzer, so check their own site for the current details.
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Browse more sponsored jobs at SvitzerAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Svitzer holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3512 going rate of £58,300. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.