Job Description

Salary
29,079 to 34,210 (dependent on experience)
Contract type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Additional information
Flexible working will be considered
Location
Poole, Dorset, England
Location description
Hybrid working arrangement between home and Poole, with a requirement to work in the office 3 days per week
Interview location
Poole, Dorset.
Interview date
w/c 26th January 2026
Closing Date
18-01-2026
Reference
21073
Documents (please view all documents)
(PDF, 169.7kb)
(PDF, 206.15kb)
About us
Our purpose is simple, to save lives at sea. Since the 19th century, our crews have been risking their lives to save those who are in danger of drowning.
We're seeking a Graduate Naval Architect to join our Engineering Transformation team. This team leads the delivery of the RNLI's major asset engineering programmes, including the Coastal Lifeboat, Atlantic-85 Mk4, and the SIMS replacement projects.
In this role, you'll support the development of the structures, stability, equipment, and human-factors design across all RNLI floating assets. Working closely with colleagues in engineering, production, procurement, maintenance, and operations, you will contribute to new-build projects and the development of new equipment aligned with the RNLI's five-year plan.
Your passion for creating and assessing innovative, practical, and cost-effective engineering and design solutions will play a vital part in helping us deliver the next generation of lifesaving capability.
Some of the benefits

• Salary 29,079 to 34,210 (dependent on experience)
• Flexible working
• 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance

Your Role
As a Graduate Naval Architect you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

• Assist with the design and development work and configuration change control of technical documentation to facilitate the through life product configuration of all assets and their associated equipment using the RNLI business systems and processes.
• Ensure that the design of RNLI plant, equipment and procedures are developed in accordance with E&S Processes and Standards.
• Work within the E&S project teams and project managers to ensure work is completed to agreed timescales and that engineering processes are followed.
• To act as a designated engineering signatory in accordance with the E&S delegated authority.
• To assist in providing technical support to coastal staff and volunteers.
• To undertake technical investigations, troubleshooting, trials and analysis of data at boatyards, contractor's premises and on-board plant.
• To become involved in other ad hoc tasks and projects as required.

About You
You'll be a dynamic, output focused individual who is looking to develop their career in an exciting engineering environment. To be considered for this role you will need:

• A RINA accredited Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering qualification equivalent to the England, Wales and Northern Ireland qualification level 5 as defined by the UK government, or at level 3 or 4 with proven additional experience.
• A dynamic and motivated individual with a positive attitude. A team player, able to collaborate and perform under pressure.
• A proven ability to develop novel strategies to overcome issues and to innovate to improve operational delivery.
• Good communication skills, both written and presentational.
• Good team working, organisation, communication and attention to detail.

Other organisations may call this role "Graduate Maritime Engineer".
So, as a Graduate Naval Architect you might have a design to grow your technical skills and understanding and want to see how this role supports our organisation's aim to save lives at sea, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.
Safeguarding
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).
Diversity at the RNLI
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.

Skills Required