Lead Project Engineer

About us

Our purpose is simple : to save lives  hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We’re looking for a Lead Project Engineer to join our Engineering Transformation team - a crucial role delivering cutting edge engineering projects that keep our lifesaving assets safe, available, and operational. This is an exciting time to join the RNLI's engineering transformation team, with a number of high profile projects being delivered including the new Coastal Lifeboat, the Atlantic Mk4 updates and the implementation of the SIMS replacement.

• Salary £49,492 to 58,226 (dependent on experience)
• Flexible working
• 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health and dental cashplan

As a Project Engineering Lead, you’ll be responsible for the successful engineering delivery of a broad range of technical projects - supporting the full asset lifecycle from concept through to disposal. You’ll lead technical input, manage engineering outputs, and work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project outcomes are delivered safely, efficiently, and to high quality standards.

• Lead the end-to-end engineering delivery of assigned projects, including design, integration, modification, and support.
• Act as the central technical contact, resolving complex engineering challenges while aligning activity with operational priorities.
• Collaborate across departments - Project Management, In‑Service Support, Procurement, Estates, Construction / Refit to ensure smooth project execution.
• Coordinate planning and risk management across engineering work streams, ensuring timely delivery of all technical documentation and milestones.
• Monitor budgets, schedules, and compliance with SHE (Safety, Health, Environment), engineering governance, and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, stakeholder feedback, and the development of improved tools and processes.
• Maintain up-to-date engineering knowledge and actively support your own professional development.

We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented engineer who can thrive in a complex and fast-paced environment. You’ll have a track record of managing engineering delivery across projects and teams - ensuring quality, efficiency, and technical excellence at every step.

• Degree-level education (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Significant experience leading technical delivery within multidisciplinary or integrated teams.
• Strong background in project engineering and lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to assure quality and compliance against policies, standards, and processes.
• Confident communicator, able to influence stakeholders and balance technical, operational, and commercial priorities.
• A team player with a pragmatic, calm approach to problem‑solving and workload management.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it.
• Familiarity with marine engineering or search and rescue environments.