Mechanical Engineer

Rate: Up to £550/day

IR35 status: Inside IR35

Location:     Hybrid, at least 1 day per week in office (Office Address - Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH)

Closing date:     3rd July 2026 at 10:00

Contract dates: 01/07/2026 to 30/09/2026

Overview

Our customer, a large defence organisation, is seeking a Hydrographic & Patrol Technical Superintendent, leading the technical management of a polar-capable icebreaker and Offshore Patrol Vessels operating globally, ensuring they remain safe, compliant and mission-ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end technical oversight for an Icebreaker and OPVs deployed overseas.
• Lead maintenance periods including JEMP/Docking, CIDR and Regeneration.
• Resolve technical issues, conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee PMS, dry dockings, repairs and contractor activity worldwide.
• Champion safety, assurance and compliance with MOD and Class requirements.
• Build relationships with shipyards, OEMs, Class and host nation support providers.
• Mentor engineering teams and support ship’s staff during high-tempo deployments.
• Manage budgets, in-service support contracts and technical work packages. 

Essential Skills

• Experience as a Technical Superintendent or senior shore based engineering professional.
• Background with OPVs, survey vessels, ice class ships or similar complex platforms.
• Strong maintenance planning, dry dock and engineering governance skills.
• Ability to provide technical support in remote or austere environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Engineering degree (Marine, Naval Architecture or Mechanical) plus CEng/IEng (or working towards).

Desirable Skills

• Icebreaker/Polar Code experience
• Hydrographic or mission system knowledge
• Royal Navy or defence sector background

Additional Information

• Hybrid working with attendance at Abbey Wood at least one day per week
• SC clearance required