Job Description

Department: Marine Engineering, Marine Operations

Reporting to: Engineering Workshop Supervisor

Grade: 7

Salary: £47,001 per annum plus 10% Operational Allowance

Location: Denton Wharf, Gravesend

Contract: Full Time, 35 Hours per Week

Closing Date: 16 October 2026

Who We Are

We are the UK's biggest port, central to the country's economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95-mile stretch of the tidal River Thames, from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent and Essex, and out to the North Sea.

The Role

Working within the Marine Engineering team, the Marine Engineering Technician (Multi-Skilled) will carry out mechanical and electrical maintenance, fault finding, repairs and refits across the PLA's fleet of workboats (up to 36m), together with associated shore facilities and piers.

This is a genuinely multi-skilled role requiring the successful candidate to work across both mechanical and electrical disciplines. Responsibilities will include the maintenance, diagnosis and repair of diesel engines, propulsion systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, cooling systems, electrical distribution systems and vessel control systems.

In addition to day-to-day maintenance activities, the role will support planned and reactive maintenance programmes, vessel refits and installation projects. The postholder may be required to supervise contractors and technical staff and provide relief cover as Ship's Engineer aboard the Authority's Salvage Craft.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the development of apprentices and trainee engineers by sharing knowledge and supporting continuous improvement within the team.

Although based on a 35-hour working week, the role will require occasional out-of-hours attendance and participation in call-out arrangements to support operational and emergency requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive mechanical and electrical maintenance on PLA vessels and shore facilities.
• Diagnose and repair faults across a wide range of marine engineering systems.
• Maintain diesel engines, propulsion systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems and cooling systems.
• Undertake electrical installations, repairs and fault finding on vessel distribution and control systems.
• Support vessel refits, equipment upgrades and installation projects.
• Assist with supervision of contractors and technical personnel when required.
• Provide relief cover as Ship's Engineer on the PLA Salvage Craft.
• Support apprentices and trainee engineers through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain high standards of safety, housekeeping and compliance.
• Participate in emergency response and call-out activities as required.

What We Are Looking For

• Completion of an Advanced Apprenticeship leading to an HNC, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in a relevant Mechanical or Electrical Engineering discipline.
• Demonstrable practical and theoretical experience in both mechanical and electrical maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair.
• Experience working on diesel engines and associated vessel mechanical systems, including fuel, cooling and propulsion systems.
• Experience working with vessel and industrial electrical distribution and control systems, including 12V/24V DC and 230V AC systems.
• Good understanding of fault finding and installation on electrical and electronic communication networks.
• Experience supporting vessel refits, planned maintenance and equipment installation projects.
• Competent IT skills, including the use of Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, contractors and suppliers.
• Good understanding of marine safety and maintenance regulations, including:
• PUWER
• COSHH
• Relevant HSE and MCA requirements

We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills and experience from marine, industrial, military, HGV, plant, agricultural or similar engineering environments.

Desirable Experience

• Diesel engine electronic control systems.
• Marine navigation equipment installation and fault finding.
• Welding and fabrication.
• Machining experience, including manual lathes and milling machines.

In Addition, You Will

• Hold a full UK manual driving licence.
• Be comfortable working afloat and climbing ladders.
• Be capable of working in confined spaces such as engine rooms and tank spaces.
• Be physically capable of carrying out manual handling and lifting activities.
• Be willing to undertake training and continuous professional development.
• Support the PLA's ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2040.
• Be medically fit to obtain an ENG1 Medical Certificate or already hold an ML5 Certificate.

In Return, We Offer a Competitive Benefits Package

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension scheme
• Onsite parking with electric vehicle charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy services
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car Leasing Scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

To view the full job description click here

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.