Job Advertisement: Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location: Edinburgh or Orkney (hybrid working available)

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Overview

Orbital Marine Power, a pioneering Scottish renewable energy company, is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead its mechanical engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the development and deployment of cutting-edge tidal energy technology. Orbital’s innovative floating turbine systems are at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, providing predictable power from tidal streams and ocean currents.

With proven full-scale technology and a strong pipeline of projects, including a major new initiative in Canada, Orbital is entering a phase of rapid growth. Join us in shaping the future of renewable energy and contributing to a sustainable world.

Responsibilities

As the Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will:

• Lead, develop, and support the mechanical engineering team, including resource planning, work allocation, and technical development.
• Plan and deliver mechanical engineering activities in line with project schedules and budgets.
• Oversee mechanical system and structural design activities, including CAD, FEA, fatigue assessment, and design reviews.
• Define and apply offshore design and safety standards while supporting certification and independent assurance processes.
• Ensure the integrity and safety of Orbital turbine assets throughout their lifecycle, from manufacture to operation.
• Provide technical leadership in fabrication, welding, corrosion protection, inspection, and quality assurance.
• Manage assembly, fitting, and testing activities during turbine build programmes.
• Oversee supplier relationships and major fabrication work packages to meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering, projects, and operations teams to resolve technical interfaces and ensure design consistency.
• Support the preparation of build packs, construction planning, and technical documentation.
• Champion Orbital’s environmental, health, and safety culture.

Qualifications

To excel in this role, you will bring:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in mechanical and/or structural design, ideally within offshore or marine environments.
• Strong engineering analysis skills, including FEA and fatigue assessment.
• Knowledge of offshore design standards (experience with DNV standards is advantageous).
• Manufacturing expertise, particularly in steel fabrication, welding, and design for manufacture.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams, including performance management and work planning.
• Budget and supplier management experience for major engineering work packages.
• Practical knowledge of offshore corrosion protection systems.
• Strong technical judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience in NDT, inspection planning, and manufacturing quality surveillance.
• Background in renewable energy sectors such as offshore wind, wave, or tidal energy.
• Chartered Engineer status or progress toward chartership.
• Experience in commissioning, operation, or maintenance of large offshore systems.
• Understanding of rotating equipment and hydraulic systems.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers, fabrication yards, and operational sites as required.

Day-to-Day

In this role, you will:

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, ensuring high performance and technical excellence.
• Oversee the design and analysis of mechanical systems and structures for Orbital’s floating turbines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with other engineering disciplines.
• Manage supplier relationships and oversee fabrication and assembly processes.
• Conduct design reviews, verification, and quality assurance activities.
• Support the development of technical documentation and build packs.
• Visit operational sites and fabrication facilities to oversee project progress and resolve technical challenges.

Benefits

Orbital Marine Power offers:

• A competitive salary based on experience.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including private medical care and a generous holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development as the company expands.
• The chance to work on groundbreaking renewable energy projects that make a tangible impact on the global energy transition.

Why This Role Matters

This is a unique opportunity to lead the mechanical engineering efforts behind some of the world’s most advanced tidal energy technology. Your work will directly contribute to the design, manufacture, and deployment of Orbital’s floating turbines, accelerating the transition to predictable, renewable energy generation. This role offers the chance to influence key technical decisions and be part of a team driving innovation in offshore renewable energy systems.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply or contact Anita Galbraith at Eden Scott in confidence. Even if you are not actively seeking a new role or do not have an updated CV, we encourage you to get in touch for an initial conversation.

Note: Eden Scott is working exclusively on this appointment. Any direct or third-party applications to Orbital Marine Power will be directed to Eden Scott for consideration.

Remuneration Package

Orbital Marine Power provides a competitive salary and a robust benefits package designed to support the well-being, security, and long-term growth of its employees. This includes private medical care, a generous holiday allowance, and excellent opportunities for professional development.

Join us in shaping the future of renewable energy and making a lasting impact on the world.