Chief Engineer - Southampton
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
£68,441 / year
Salary
As advertised by the employer
£58,300
Going rate
Offer clears by 1.2×
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3512 (95% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £58,300, and Svitzer Marine Limited 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 |
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
Not Everyone Is Cut Out to Be a Chief Engineer on Tugs - That’s Exactly the Point.
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’re looking for a desk-based Chief Engineer role, this isn’t it.
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 don’t promise an easy job.
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
Employee Assistance Programme
What You Bring
Minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer <6000kW (III/2 Unlimited preferred)
Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum 6 months validity)
Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and problem-solving skills
Harbour towage or small-vessel experience preferred
A professional mindset and pride in safe, reliable engineering
The right to live and work in the UK
Living approximately within a 30 minute commute of the Port of Southampton
A full UK driving licence and own transport are required
This is a senior engineering role for someone who wants responsibility, challenge, and influence — not just a job title.
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 Marine Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
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Browse more sponsored jobs at Svitzer Marine LimitedAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Svitzer Marine Limited 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.