Vessel Engineer-Maritime North - OOP Operations
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£58,300
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3512 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £58,300, and Serco Ltd t/a Serco Group is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
Worth checking: this could also be SOC 8232 (Marine and waterways transport operatives, Operates and maintains engines aboard vessels at operative level), which is not on the eligible-occupation list. Ask Serco Ltd t/a Serco Group what the duties actually are.
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 | £58,300 | £58,300 | £58,300 |
2122 Mechanical engineers Also possible | £33,400 | £37,400 | £42,100 | £46,800 |
8232 Marine and waterways transport operatives Also possible | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
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. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Vessel Engineer
Location: Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-Shire, IV40 8AJ
Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours - rostered 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off
For applicants who live further than 80 miles away from Kyle of Lochalsh, Serco will pay a maximum of 0.55p per mile for travel to and from base.
Ready to impact a better future?
As a Vessel Engineer in our Maritime Services team, you’ll be responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, reliability and performance of onboard machinery and engineering systems. Your work will help ensure vital marine services operate safely, efficiently and reliably every day.
This is a role with real purpose. By maintaining vessel systems to the highest standards, you’ll help create impactful solutions that support operations, protect the environment and deliver a positive impact on communities. Working as part of a trusted maritime team, you’ll play an important role in helping us impact a better future while supporting innovation, safety and operational excellence.
What you’ll do as a Vessel Engineer
- Ensure the safe and efficient operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion, auxiliary, deck and electrical machinery onboard the vessel.
- Plan and oversee preventative and corrective maintenance activities to maximise reliability and availability of equipment.
- Work closely with the Vessel Master to maintain operational efficiency and respond promptly to engineering matters that could affect vessel operations.
- Monitor fuel, lubricants and water consumption, maintaining accurate engineering records and reports.
Does this sound like you?
- You hold an MCA Certificate of Competency Officer of the Watch Engineering (EOOW) as a minimum.
- Current STCW certificates including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Survival Craft and Elementary First Aid.
- You hold a valid unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate
- You take a methodical approach to problem-solving and can work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- You demonstrate trust, resilience, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement and growth.
What we offer
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Vetting and checks:
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
- Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
- Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact [email protected].
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
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This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Serco Ltd t/a Serco Group, so check their own site for the current details.
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Browse more sponsored jobs at Serco Ltd t/a Serco GroupAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Serco Ltd t/a Serco Group 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.