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JOB 0PPORTUNITY: SUPPORT MANAGER

UK Docks provides technical support to the Royal Navy through our vessel management team. The Support Manager is part of this critical department. This role supports the Operations Manager and Vessel Managers in the day-to-day service provided to the Royal Navy. 

Role Overview:

Reports to: Operations Manager 

Primary Responsibility: Ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management and technical operation of company-managed vessels. 

Security Clearance: Required (SC level). 

Location: South Shields (office-based with frequent travel). 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Technical Operations 

Support the day-to-day work of Vessel Managers. 

Ensure all vessels are maintained in a state of operational readiness, in compliance with Class, Flag State, and regulatory requirements. 

Assist with maintenance, dry dock planning, and execution across the fleet. 

Drive continuous improvement and best practice sharing in maintenance and dry docking. 

Act as technical authority on repair specifications and docking scope reviews. 

Day-to-day management of UKD sub-contractors. 

2. Health, Safety, Environment, Quality (QHSE) 

Promote and enforce safety culture onboard. 

Support personnel development, conduct internal audits, and ensure QHSE excellence. 

Collaborate with HSE team on system and policy implementation. 

3. Vessel Visits 

Minimum of six visits per year to assigned vessels. 

Monitor and evaluate maintenance performance to ensure standards are maintained. 

4. KPI's 

Monitor company and contractual KPI's for all vessels. 

Qualifications & Personal Attributes 

Class 1 CoC (Engineering) or relevant supervisory seagoing experience (Royal Navy Marine Engineer CPO/WO) or experience as a Technical Superintendent. 

Excellent communication and teamwork skills. 

High attention to detail, professionalism and ability to work under pressure. 

Benefits:

23 days leave per year, rising to 25 after four years’ service, plus bank holidays. 

Holiday buy/sell scheme. 

Core hours (flexible working). 

Free parking. 

Company matched pension scheme. 

Applications to be sent to recruitment@ukdocks.com for the attention of Kevin Hodgson (General Manager) and Nick Elliott (Operations Manager). 

JOB OPPORTUNITY: PROJECT ENGINEER (x2)

UK Docks is seeking two motivated and organised Project Engineers to support its project department.

These roles will play a critical part in the planning and delivery of engineering projects for Royal Navy vessels.

The Project Engineer will take ownership of the technical aspects of project delivery—working closely with internal departments, OEMs, contractors, and MOD stakeholders to develop, refine, and implement engineering solutions. The role reports directly to the Commercial Manager as part of the commercial team and is full time, based in South Shields, UK.

The ideal candidate will have strong project engineering skills, a solid foundation in marine, mechanical or electrical systems and a working knowledge of naval operations and engineering standards.

Role Overview:

Job Title: Project Engineer

Location: South Shields (office-based) Reports To: Commercial Manager Security Clearance: Required (to SC level)

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, review, refine and prioritise multiple technical scopes of work in collaboration with suppliers, OEMs, and the customer.

• Oversee the engineering implementation of upgrades and modifications onboard vessels.

• Lead technical elements during project planning, ensuring all specifications and deliverables are clear and achievable.

• Provide engineering input and oversight during contractor and OEM activities, both on-site and remotely.

• Liaise with MOD representatives to ensure technical alignment and compliance with defence standards.

• Deliver projects from initial request through to execution and close out ensuring all deliverables are met.

• Support the preparation of detailed work packages.

• Monitor progress, resolve technical issues, and ensure adherence to safety and quality requirements.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation and contribute to project reporting.

• Assist in cost and resource estimation, change control, and continuous improvement activities.

• Attend project client meetings as the lead engineer, being supported by the wider UK Docks team.

• Proactively assist the client to eliminate project problems and/or malfunctions to ensure that there are no consequential impacts to the vessel’s operational capability or availability.

Qualifications & Attributes:

Essential:

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering (or similar discipline).

• Proven experience in a project engineering role, ideally within defence or marine sectors.

• Strong technical problem-solving skills with a hands-on understanding of engineering systems.

• Ability to manage multiple technical workstreams and liaise with diverse stakeholders.

• Familiarity with engineering project lifecycles, maintenance planning, and OEM coordination.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams).

Desirable:

• Experience supporting Royal Navy, RFA, or MOD-managed assets.

• Knowledge of Classification Society, Flag State, and defence-specific regulations.

• Project management training or certifications (e.g. APM, Prince2, or equivalent).

Benefits:

• 23 days leave per year, rising to 25 after four years service, plus bank holidays.

• Holiday buy/sell scheme.

• Core hours (flexible working).

• Free parking.

• Company matched pension scheme.

Applications to be sent to recruitment@ukdocks.com for the attention of Kevin Hodgson (General Manager) and Nick Elliott (Operations Manager).

JOB OPPORTUNITY: MECHANICAL FIELD SERVICE ENGINEERS

The candidate must have adequate technical supervisory expertise to work on his/her own proficiently and professionally.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing service, maintenance, and repair, including final commissioning of client equipment without direct supervision, within a pre-set timescale to a high standard

  • Accustomed to working from mechanical drawings to diagnose and solve challenges.

  • Provide detailed technical reports on work carried out.

  • Interacting with vessel management and operations to ensure work is being carried out on schedule.

  • To complete service reports/timesheets promptly and accurately

Requirements:

  • A willingness to learn and demonstrate a positive attitude.

  • Experienced in Mechanical Engineering with the ability to read and understand drawings.

  • You must have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

  • You should possess a current passport and driving license and be prepared for considerable travel throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Salary:

  • High potential earnings with significant overtime, 28 days holiday (inc. statutory holidays). Significant overtime matched to high base salary, company pension scheme, provision of company PPE, credit card, mobile telephone and laptop.

  • Standby at home when not travelling.

Job Type:

  • Full-time, Permanent

Experience:

  • Heavy Engineering

  • Rotating Equipment

Please direct all enquiries and applications to: Chris.Wilson@ukdocks.com.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: MARINE ENGINEER

(Cremyll, Cornwall)

 

UK Docks Mashfords based at Cremyll in Cornwall is seeking a full-time Marine Engineer to join its team. This is a permanent position working 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime will be required to meet contract deadlines when necessary.

Duties:

  • To service marine engines and propulsion systems.

  • To install mechanical and hydraulic systems.

  • To test and commission installations, ensuring equipment is operational and satisfactory to all requirements.

  • To work on all vessel types up to 300 tonnes including but not limited to Ribs and workboats.

  • All work to be carried out to a high standard.

  • Assist the engineering foreman in training engineering apprentices.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

·       Qualified Engineer with a minimum of 3 years’ experience. Maritime knowledge advantageous.

·       Knowledge of jet drive propulsion systems advantageous.

·       Ability to work on vessels up to 300 tons, including working afloat.

·       Proven knowledge of systems including, fresh water, domestic, saltwater systems, engine cooling, hydraulics, LP air, bilge / grey water and heating systems.

·       To be conversant with all aspects of diesel engines including fault finding, maintenance & servicing.

·       Proven knowledge of engine / gearbox installation including ancillaries and alignment of engine / gearbox to shafts.

·       Familiar with propulsion and steering systems.

·       Knowledge of Electrical Installations would be advantageous.

·       Security vetting will be required.

·       Required to work on MoD sites.

·       Expected to work outside normal working hours for slipping and launching vessels

·       Boat handling qualifications (Powerboat Level 2 / Day Skipper etc), with commercial endorsement advantageous.

·       Driving licence essential.

Pay

·       £15.69ph going up to £17.52ph

·       156 Hours leave and Bank holidays


Please direct enquires and applications to: michelle.downton@ukdocks.com.