Principal Designer

Job Description

Reporting to the Design Supervisor or Design Office Manager, the Principal Designer applies advanced design and drafting techniques to produce complex drawings and sketches in line with good engineering practice and company procedures.

The role includes responsibility for checking and overseeing the work of other designers and draughts persons and may involve leading a team or managing all or part of the design services for a project.

• Produce complex drawings and sketches that meet good engineering practice and company standards.
• Assign, oversee, check, and approve design work to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency.
• Plan, organize, and manage work for yourself and team members.
• Liaise directly with Project Engineers on installation drawings and sketches.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to improve safety, quality, and risk mitigation.
• Maintain familiarity with relevant codes and standards used in design and drafting.
• Identify project resource needs and communicate these to the Design Supervisor or Design Office Manager.
• Review resource requests and provide feedback on feasibility, deliverables, and timescales.
• Interface with project discipline leads to ensure CAD deliverables are on schedule and within budget.
• Ensure adequate Design Office input into procurement activities.
• Encourage awareness and reporting of project variations.
• Provide input into project CTR estimates for the department.
• Ensure design services comply with company standards, processes, and procedures (including BMS and PM7).
• Ensure compliance with company QA, HSE procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Participate in technical audits of projects and studies.
• Support and maintain engineering control and reporting systems to improve planning, forecasting, and cost tracking.
• Manage internal and external Design Office interfaces.
• Agree, monitor, and review performance objectives with direct reports.
• Identify performance improvement needs and recommend adjustments to organisation, tools, processes, or people.
• Support induction, mentoring, and training of junior employees and new starters.
• Support apprentice recruitment and training where applicable.
• Participate in recruitment of permanent and contract personnel.
• Advance team learning by promoting knowledge sharing, best practices, and technical proficiency.
• Support department structure development and succession planning.
• Encourage awareness of departmental capabilities and competencies.
• Participate in reviews and contribute to the development of departmental procedures and work methods.
• Support the development of standard project deliverables and improved efficiencies.
• Encourage Engineering Improvements to enhance company systems and services.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, digital tools, and methods to keep the business aligned with the latest industry developments.
• Stay current with professional learning to support ongoing growth

What experience would we like you to have?

• Clear communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Highly organised with a high level of attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of design and drafting techniques and engineering terminology.
• Ability to work in a cross‑functional, concurrent engineering environment.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, manage time effectively, and communicate constraints clearly.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership style that encourages team motivation and ownership of results.
• Advanced user of AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Vault Professional.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Drafting and Design with 15+ years' relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, design reviews, and calculations.
• Extensive knowledge of design and drafting techniques.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, document control, offshore vessels, and installation principles.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

What do we offer?

We offer the opportunity to create a future to be proud of for generations to come. Whatever the role, wherever the location, at Seaway7, everyone plays a part in making renewable energy possible.

This is more than a place to work, this is a place to bring your energy. A place to belong, and feel part of a team which will back you every step of the way.

Alongside this, we provide an environment for you to feel at your best - in-and-outside of work, with great perks to support your health, wealth and wellbeing. We offer comprehensive benefits which vary by location according to local requirements, as well as our global benefits which include:

• CAREER DEVELOPMENT- We support your continuous development to craft a career you love. You will have the opportunity to grow in Seaway7 or across the Subsea7 Group to suit your interests and goals.
• FLEXIBILITY - We want our employees to thrive. This is why we offer a working from home options that gives employees some flexibility whilst balancing this with highly valued face to face time that keeps our team spirit at the center.
• WELLBEING - Our extensive wellbeing offering is focused on mind, body, connection, and helping our employees to thrive. We have an excellent employee assistance programme which offers support for a range of work related or private matters.
• CONNECT - Our employee networks create a sense of community. Get involved in the planning or just enjoy perks! From paddle boarding, ski trips, running and cycle groups, to family days and summer parties. Join conversations on topics that matter such as inclusion and culture, and live our sustainability value by joining community beach cleans and plogging.

Our passionate employees make it all happen.

The Next Steps

To apply for this role, simply click the 'Apply' button found on this page.

You may be prompted to set up a profile with us. It's quick and easy to do. Or, if you have already created a profile with us, simply log in and submit your application.

Here are 3 top tips to help you submit a successful application:

• Make sure your CV is up-to-date and highlights the transferable skills and experience you can bring to this role.
• We would encourage you to include a cover letter as part of your application. It's your chance to tell us why you would be a brilliant addition to our team.
• Take your time with your application and check there are no errors before final submission.

Once you have submitted your application, we will be in touch as soon as possible with next steps. To find out more about Seaway7, please visit our website.