Job Description
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, security and energy transition ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
Job Description
Oversee welding operations and ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification. Lead and develop the welding team, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Health & Safety
• Implement hot work protocols, confined space entry procedures, and manual handling safety.
• Conduct pre-job briefs, risk assessments, and toolbox talks tailored to welding tasks.
• Monitor welding environments for compliance and intervene when safety is at risk.
Quality
• Ensure strict adherence to Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Inspection Test Plans (ITP), and Project Quality Plans.
• Perform in-process checks: alignment, fit-up, bevel angles, root gaps.
• Oversee preheat, interpass, and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) requirements.
• Liaise with QA/QC for inspections and maintain welding documentation (e.g., welding logs, NDT reports).
• Lead root cause analysis for weld defects and implement corrective actions.
Technical/Operations
• Provide expertise in welding techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, SMAW).
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of welding equipment and consumables.
• Track project hours and ensure timely delivery.
• Identify operational risks and escalate when necessary.
People Management
• Manage team performance, absence, and development.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of welders.
• Deliver toolbox talks and performance reviews.
• Handle disciplinary and grievance procedures where appropriate.
Qualifications
* Apprenticeship or advanced qualification in welding or fabrication engineering.
* Previous supervisory experience
Additional Information
Equal Opportunity: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.