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Design Engineer
THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION
34,893 per year (pro rata)
Poole, Dorset, England
Full-time
9th February 2026

Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Your role

We’re recruiting for a Design Engineer (Mechanical / Electrical) to join the Engineering Transformation team and provide technical knowledge and expertise for new and existing assets and associated equipment, to support our crews and coastal operations.

You will be working on exciting RNLI projects, including the Mk3 Severn, Atlantic-85 upgrade, the new Lifeboat Management System and the Coastal Lifeboat. Experience using SolidWorks(or equivalent) to produce accurate 3D designs and detailed engineering drawings is essential

As a Design Engineer (Mechanical / Electrical) you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

  • To support the design, integration, testing and roll out of new assets, systems and equipment, ensuring all work is based on cost, risk and performance.
  • To ensure that the design and integration of RNLI assets, equipment and procedures are developed in accordance with E&S Processes and Standards.
  • To undertake technical investigations, troubleshooting, trials and analysis of data, including at lifeboat stations, boatyards and contractor’s premises.
  • To undertake assigned tasks including the creation of CAD models, design calculations, engineering drawings and specifications.
  • To work within one or more of the E&S delivery and project teams and to work with the IDT Leads and project managers to ensure work is completed to agreed timescales and that processes and procedures are followed.
  • To co-ordinate / participate in research and development projects as required.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant maritime regulations and standards.
  • Engage with coastal teams, suppliers, OEMs, and stakeholders to ensure timely and effective resolution of technical issues.

About you

You’ll be a strong team player able to problem solve and think analytically whilst handling a demanding workload with changing priorities. You’ll be operating within a high-profile department and liaising right across our organisation, as well as with external organisations and suppliers. Your commitment to helping us produce safe, innovative and cost-effective Engineering and design solutions will be key. To be considered for the Design Engineer (Mechanical / Electrical) role you will need:

Essential skills and experience:

  • Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of marine safety standards and regulatory compliance.
  • Able to demonstrate working towards and an expectation to achieve Engineering Council registration at Incorporated Engineer level or higher.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • A good understanding of spoken and written English
  • Have good IT skills including use of e.g. Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and CAD (Solidworks/Autocad).
  • A good working knowledge and understanding of marine machinery and/or electrical/electronic systems such as propulsion and drivelines, diesel engines, fuel systems, sea water systems, hydraulics, navigation, communication, control systems etc.

Desirable:

  • This is not an operational seagoing position, however due to the nature of the role, it is highly desirable, but not essential, that the post holder be operationally seagoing and as such capable of going afloat in all sea conditions.

So, if you think you have the right technical knowledge and experience and want to see how the Engineer role supports our organisation’s aim to reduce drowning, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.