Weights & Lifting Structural Engineer

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 Weights & Lifting Structural 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 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.

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.

Working Environment

• Based in a standard office environment with regular engagement in shipyard and operational settings.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.
• Involvement in on-site lifts may include working at height or within confined spaces (with full safety measures provided).

Why Join Navantia UK?

• Work on high-profile shipbuilding projects with national significance.
• Be part of a growing engineering team making a major impact in the UK maritime sector.
• Opportunities for development, progression and cross-yard collaboration within Navantia UK and SA.
• Competitive package and the chance to contribute to industry-leading engineering innovation.

If you’re ready to apply your engineering expertise to some of the most exciting heavy-lifting challenges in UK shipbuilding, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us move the future of naval engineering.