Overview
Design Engineer (Mechanical / Electrical)
Poole, Dorset | Hybrid | Permanent | Full time
£34,893 – £41,050 + Benefits
Ref: 21104
When conditions are demanding, your expertise counts. That’s why this role matters. At the RNLI, our engineers design and develop safety-critical equipment and systems used to support crews saving lives at sea. This role is focused on CAD-led mechanical and electrical design engineering, working on real-world products that must perform reliably in challenging marine environments.
We’re looking for a Design Engineer (Mechanical / Electrical) to join our Engineering Transformation team and play a hands-on role in creating, developing and improving lifeboat systems, onboard equipment and associated assets - from concept through to in-service support.
For engineers who value purpose and responsibility alongside their career, this role offers something the private sector often can’t.
What you’ll be working on
You’ll contribute to a range of high-profile RNLI engineering programmes, including:
* The Mk3 Severn
* Atlantic 85 upgrades
* Lifeboat Management System
* Coastal Lifeboats
Using SolidWorks (or equivalent), you’ll spend a significant part of your time producing 3D models, assemblies and detailed engineering drawings, supporting the design, integration and development of mechanical and electrical systems across RNLI assets.
Role responsibilities
As Part Of a Multi-disciplinary Engineering Environment, You’ll
* Lead and support CAD-based design and development of new and existing mechanical and electrical systems, equipment and assemblies
* Produce 3D models, engineering drawings, calculations and technical specifications to support manufacture, integration and in-service use
* Support the testing, integration and rollout of new assets and equipment, balancing cost, risk and performance in safety-critical decisions
* Ensure designs comply with RNLI Engineering & Safety processes, maritime regulations and relevant standards
* Carry out technical investigations, trials and troubleshooting, including visits to lifeboat stations, boatyards and supplier premises
* Work closely with project managers, suppliers, OEMs and internal stakeholders to resolve design and integration issues
* Contribute to research and development activity where required
About You
You’re a practical, detail-focused design engineer who enjoys turning concepts into robust, buildable solutions. You’re comfortable owning CAD work, collaborating across disciplines, and taking responsibility for designs that will be used in demanding, real-world conditions.
Essential Experience And Skills
* Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related design-focused engineering discipline
* Strong, hands-on experience using CAD software (SolidWorks or equivalent) to create 3D models, assemblies and detailed engineering drawings
* Knowledge of engineering standards and regulatory compliance (marine experience beneficial but not essential)
* Working towards (or expectation to achieve) Engineering Council registration at IEng level or higher
* Strong communication and documentation skills
* Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
Desirable
* Experience designing mechanical or electrical systems for harsh or safety-critical environments
* Familiarity with marine, industrial or transport systems (beneficial but not essential)
* While not an operational seagoing role, the ability and willingness to go afloat in all sea conditions is highly desirable
Why join the RNLI?
Alongside the chance to do meaningful work, the RNLI offers generous annual leave, a strong pension contribution, life assurance, enhanced family-friendly benefits, learning and development support, and a range of practical benefits and discounts.
You’ll be trusted with hands-on design responsibility, work alongside passionate engineers and stakeholders, and see your CAD work turned into real equipment used in frontline lifesaving operations.
If you want to understand how engineering directly supports our mission to save lives at sea, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.
Closing date: 9 February 2026.
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).
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.
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