Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
Job DescriptionStart Your Graduate Career with Navantia
Full-time, Permanent (Graduate Entry-Level)
Are you a recent graduate looking to build a career in production engineering, shipbuilding, CAD/3D modelling or industrial operations?
Navantia UK is recruiting a Graduate Production Engineer to join our Belfast team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting major shipbuilding programmes while developing technical capability, engineering understanding and practical skills.
You’ll work alongside experienced Production Engineers, discipline leads and multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to how ships are designed, built and delivered — from drawings and 3D models through to shopfloor execution.
You don’t need to be an expert when you join us. We’ll provide training and support to help you develop strong CAD/3D modelling capability, technical interpretation skills and understanding of shipyard production processes.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Graduate Production Engineer, you’ll support the engineering activities that enable safe, efficient and accurate production. You’ll help translate technical information into practical instructions that support manufacturing and construction.
You’ll gain experience across:
Technical Interpretation & CAD/3D Modelling
- Reviewing and interpreting drawings, 3D models and engineering documentation.
- Creating and updating basic 3D models, layouts, drawings and supporting technical documents.
- Developing strong capability in 2D/3D CAD tools.
Production Engineering Support
- Assisting experienced engineers with production engineering tasks and technical coordination.
- Supporting development of build strategies, production methods and construction sequences.
- Helping investigate production issues and updating technical documentation.
Data Collection & Analysis
- Gathering data from workshops and production areas to support engineering analysis.
- Contributing to improvement studies and manufacturing reviews.
Shipbuilding Knowledge & Systems
- Learning ship configuration, product breakdown and shipyard production processes.
- Developing familiarity with engineering systems, document management tools and company processes.
Collaboration & Coordination
- Participating in meetings, site visits and multidisciplinary coordination activities.
- Maintaining accurate records of assigned tasks and seeking feedback to support development.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for graduates who are curious, technically minded and eager to learn — people who enjoy solving problems, working with drawings and models, and supporting practical engineering delivery.
You’ll Need
- A degree (or equivalent) in Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles such as mechanics, materials, structures and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical information.
- Familiarity with 2D and/or 3D CAD tools and willingness to develop strong modelling capability.
- Ability to create basic 3D models and drawings.
- Strong interest in shipbuilding, production engineering or industrial operations.
- Good analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Exposure to FORAN, AutoCAD, AVEVA, SolidWorks or similar tools.
- Internship, placement or project experience in shipbuilding, manufacturing or construction.
- Basic understanding of SAP or engineering document management systems.
What You’ll Gain
Joining Navantia as a Graduate Production Engineer will give you the opportunity to:
- Build strong CAD/3D modelling capability and technical interpretation skills.
- Gain hands-on experience supporting real production engineering activities.
- Develop understanding of shipbuilding processes, construction sequences and manufacturing methods.
- Work alongside experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Build a strong foundation for progression into professional-level engineering roles.
Who Will Succeed in This Role?
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Technically curious
- Detail-focused
- Proactive
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- A clear communicator
- Open to feedback and continuous improvement
- Most importantly, we’re looking for someone with the enthusiasm and potential to grow into an autonomous Production Engineer.
Why Navantia?
This is an opportunity to start your engineering career in a unique industry, working on complex shipbuilding programmes that require precision, innovation and technical excellence.
You’ll gain practical experience, receive structured development and build skills that will support your long-term career in engineering, manufacturing or shipbuilding.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note that Assessment Centres will be held on Monday 7th September and Tuesday 8th September. Candidates will be assigned to attend on one of these dates only. Following the Assessment Centre, successful candidates will be invited to a final interview on Thursday 10th September.
***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [email protected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
