Principal Ports Engineer - Defence

Principal Ports Engineer – Defence

Location(s): Bristol, Croydon, Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton (UK)

Recruiter Contact: Ainsley Anstess

Contract Type: Permanent

Work Pattern: Full Time (also part‑time, job share available)

Discipline: Maritime

Job : 12891

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Job Function: Engineering and IT

Industries: Civil Engineering

Mott Mac Donald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy. The Principal Ports Engineer – Defence supports projects for the UK Ministry of Defence and international partners in maritime defence, delivering technical infrastructure design and development across ports, shipyards and dockyards.

• Lead technical infrastructure design projects for dockyards, shipyards and ports, including docks, jetties, dolphins, quay structures, dredging, breakwaters and revetments.
• Guide and develop team members on technical aspects of projects, particularly within the maritime defence sector.
• Collaborate constructively with colleagues, sharing knowledge and driving projects to successful outcomes while meeting profit, deadline and quality targets.
• Contribute to bidding and winning work through client knowledge and understanding of technical requirements and risks.

• A degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered with a relevant professional institution (or equivalent).
• Experience working in multidisciplinary projects, ideally within ports, coastal or offshore environments.
• Familiarity with industry codes & standards.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to travel overseas for project assignments.
• Access to appropriate Security Clearance.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support everyday health costs.
• Wellbeing programme including support for menopause and general wellbeing.
• Option to flex salary into a wide range of health benefits.

Financial wellbeing

• Pension contributions matched between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance up to 4× basic salary, with option to increase to 6×.
• Income protection scheme, critical illness insurance and payroll saving benefits.
• Annual bonus schemes.

Lifestyle

• Minimum 33–35 days holiday per year, increased to 35 days after 5 years of service.
• Holiday entitlements and flexible leave options.
• Employee saving schemes and discounts.

Enhanced family and carers leave

• 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Up to 5 additional days leave for significant caring responsibilities, with two paid days.

Learning and development

• Annual professional institution subscription and mentoring opportunities.
• Opportunities to develop technical and soft skills through formal training and self‑development.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business. We encourage individual expression and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

UK Immigration:
We are not offering sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. We welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative routes.