Design Engineer

Position: Design Engineer
Job ID: 2583/1
Location: Stockport
Rate/Salary: competitive
Type: Full-time, Permanent

HSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime Shipping, Energy, and Subsea sectors – visit: (url removed) for a list of our vacancies. We have a number of permanent and contract opportunities across the UK and overseas.

The below job description outlines the position of: Design Engineer

Typically, this person will be a practical and detail-oriented engineer with experience—either professional or hands-on personal—with small boats. You’ll be involved in designing and developing Rigid Inflatable Boats and workboats used in patrol, rescue, interdiction, and access operations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys blending CAD design with real-world problem solving and working closely across office, factory, and customer environments.

HSB Technical’s client is an established and well-respected business in the marine sector, known for delivering high-quality vessels tailored to specific operational needs.

Duties and responsibilities of the Design Engineer:
• Design small craft using SolidWorks, including hulls, decks, superstructures, and onboard systems
• Translate customer requirements into effective and compliant technical solutions
• Produce drawings, 3D models, and documentation for production, certification, and survey purposes
• Ensure designs meet relevant standards (e.g., MCA, ISO, Class rules)
• Work closely with factory teams to resolve build challenges and optimise manufacturability
• Liaise with surveyors, fabricators, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout the design process
• Contribute to design reviews, continuous improvement initiatives, and technical reporting

Qualifications and requirements for the Design Engineer:
• Proven experience designing small boats—RIBs, workboats, or commercial craft
• Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD packages
• Familiar with marine regulatory requirements and coding standards
• Strong communication skills and a practical, solutions-focused design mindset
• Comfortable working in both office and workshop settings
• Experience working with surveyors or certification bodies is a plus
• Hands-on boatbuilding or fabrication experience is advantageous
• A degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or product design is desirable

This vacancy is being advertised by HSB Technical Ltd who have been appointed to act as a recruitment partner for this role.