Principal Ports Engineer - Defence

Location:

Bristol, Croydon, Southampton, Exeter, Plymouth – UK

Principal Ports Engineer with Defence experience within the Ports Coastal and Offshore (PCO) Team of the Aviation, Maritime and Offshore (AMO) Division. Deliver technical infrastructure design projects for dockyards, shipyards and ports (docks, jetties, dolphins, quay structures, dredging, breakwaters and revetments). Guide and develop team members on technical aspects of maritime defence projects. Lead technical design, contribute to bidding, collaborate constructively to meet profit, deadlines and quality objectives, and travel overseas for assignments when required.

• Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered with a relevant professional institution (or equivalent)
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary projects, ideally within Ports, Coastal or Offshore environments
• Familiarity with industry codes & standards
• Strong communication, team working and problem‑solving skills

Employment type

available as part‑time, job share or full‑time. Willingness to travel overseas expected. Conditional on obtaining appropriate Security Clearance. Mott Mac Donald does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas in the UK; applications from candidates eligible under alternative routes are welcomed.

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support daily health costs.
• Access to Peppy for menopause support.
• Wellbeing support through comprehensive programme.
• Flexible salary package with health benefits.

• Employee pension match between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance up to 4× basic salary, optional up to 6×.
• Income protection scheme with financial benefit and return‑to‑work support.
• Flexible benefits: life assurance, critical illness, payroll saving, wills.
• Annual bonus schemes reflecting business success.

• Minimum 33–35 days holiday per year, public holidays included; option to buy or sell leave.
• Holiday entitlement increases to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years.
• Employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers.

• 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave; 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Shared parental leave matches maternity leave (up to 24 weeks at full pay).
• Additional care leave up to 5 days, 2 paid.

• Annual professional institution subscription.
• Opportunities for technical and soft‑skill development through mentoring, formal training and self‑development.

• Access to Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race, disability and parents/carers groups.
• Social impact initiatives within communities.

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment procedures and individual expression, ensuring everyone can contribute.

Disabled candidates or those needing support to apply or attend an interview can contact reaso; we will arrange necessary adjustments.