Overview
The Installation Methods Engineer – Offshore Wind is responsible for developing, validating, and optimising safe and efficient installation methodologies for offshore wind projects. This includes foundations, transition pieces, turbines, cables, substations, and associated marine operations from tender through execution.
The role focuses on constructability, vessel optimisation, risk reduction, and execution readiness, working closely with marine, structural, electrical, and project teams.
Key Responsibilities
Installation Engineering & Method Development
* Develop installation concepts, methodologies, and procedures for offshore wind assets including:
* Monopiles, jackets, and suction buckets
* Transition pieces and secondary steel
* Wind turbine generators (WTGs)
* Offshore substations
* Inter-array and export cables
* Define step-by-step installation sequences covering transport, lifting, positioning, installation, and commissioning handover
* Identify installation constraints related to weather windows, seabed conditions, and vessel capabilities
Marine Operations & Vessel Engineering
* Specify and assess installation vessels including jack-up vessels, heavy-lift vessels, cable-lay vessels, and barges
* Develop lifting philosophies, crane utilisation plans, and deck layouts
* Define seafastening, grillage, and transport requirements
* Support vessel selection and marine spread optimisation
Technical Analysis & Interfaces
* Coordinate and review installation-related analyses such as:
* Lifting and rigging analysis
* Seafastening and transport checks
* Jack-up stability and leg penetration assumptions
* Cable installation parameters and routing constraints
* Interface with geotechnical, structural, electrical, and metocean teams to validate installation assumptions
Project Support & Risk Management
* Support tendering and early-phase development with installation concepts, schedules, and cost drivers
* Participate in constructability reviews, HAZID, HAZOP, and SIMOPS workshops
* Identify installation risks and develop mitigation measures
* Provide technical input to installation schedules and offshore execution plans
Offshore & Site Support
* Provide onshore and offshore technical support during fabrication, load-out, transport, and installation phases
* Support troubleshooting and method revisions during execution
* Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications & Experience
Education
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, Offshore, or Marine Engineering
Experience
* Typically 3–10+ years’ experience in offshore installation engineering
* Demonstrated experience on offshore wind projects, particularly in:
* Foundations installation (monopile / jacket)
* Turbine installation
* Offshore substations
* Cable installation (array and export)
* Experience working with EPC contractors, developers, or installation contractors preferred
Technical Skills
* Strong understanding of offshore wind construction methodologies and marine operations
* Familiarity with offshore wind installation vessels and equipment
* Experience with relevant engineering software (advantageous):
* OrcaFlex, MOSES, SACS, or similar
* Ability to translate design intent into practical, executable offshore installation methods