Graduate, Marine Engineer

Carnival corp.; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cruise company in Southampton is offering a Graduate Programme aimed at recent graduates with a degree in Marine or an equivalent discipline. Participants will gain hands-on engineering experience and work in various placements, contributing to the future of sustainable cruising. The programme involves 25% international travel and aims to develop technical skills and leadership potential.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits and career progression opportunities

Structured development

Qualifications

• Recent Graduate with a degree acquired within the last 5 years.
• Achieved at least a 2:1 in your degree.
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Work across four placements in shipbuilding and maritime teams.
• Engage in mentoring, technical training, and leadership development.
• Travel for around 25% of the role internationally.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Marine or equivalent discipline

Job description

Job Description

Kickstart Your Career with the Carnival Maritime Engineering Graduate Programme

At Carnival Corporation, we’re offering an exceptional opportunity to accelerate your career through our brand-new Graduate Programme, designed to give you a comprehensive view of the full life‑cycle of our world‑class cruise ships — from initial design and construction to operational development, in‑service performance, and refit processes.

This two‑year rotational programme gives you the chance to work across four exciting placements in our shipbuilding function as well as our Carnival UK Maritime teams, who look after our P&O Cruises and Cunard brands, building both your technical expertise and your leadership potential.

What You’ll Gain

• Develop and refine your professional and technical skills

• Gain hands‑on engineering experience across the ship life‑cycle

• Acquire a unique insight into the global cruise industry

• Build a strong foundation in leadership and project delivery

• Collaborate with experts across engineering, operations, and project management

• Shape the future of sustainable cruising through innovation and problem‑solving

Why Join Us?

Carnival Corporation is the world’s largest cruise company, delivering unforgettable happiness to our guests by providing extraordinary cruise vacations, while honouring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch.

Joining our Graduate Programme means:

• World‑Class Experience – work on some of the most complex engineering and operational challenges in the maritime sector.

• Global Exposure – gain insight into an international industry and the scale of operations behind our iconic brands.

• Structured Development – benefit from mentoring, technical training, and leadership development throughout the programme.

Who We’re Looking For

• Curious, innovative, and eager to learn

• Strong problem‑solvers with analytical skills

• Collaborative team players who thrive in diverse environments

• Ready to embrace responsibility and take on challenges from the start

We ideally need a background in a Marine or equivalent discipline, so we can support you to drive, develop and grow, and make a real impact.

Application Requirements

• Recent Graduate: You’ve graduated within the last 5 years and are ready to kick‑start your career.

• Academic Achievement: You’ve achieved (or are predicted to achieve) at least a 2:1 in your degree.

• Location: This role is based at our head office in Southampton, so we’re looking for someone who lives within a commutable distance or is happy to relocate.

• Travel Ready: The role involves around 25% international travel, so you’ll need to be comfortable with regular trips abroad.

• Right to Work: You have the legal right to work in the UK.

The Application Process – Save the dates

• Online Application – Closing 31st December 2025: Share your key details with us so we can get to know you better.
• Video Interview / Online Assessment – 5th – 29th January: This is your chance to bring your application to life - show us your personality and how you think.
• Discovery Day – 26th February: If you’re shortlisted, we’ll invite you to Carnival House in Southampton. You’ll get to demonstrate your skills, take part in engaging activities, learn more about the programme and meet some of the team.

We believe that diverse backgrounds and experiences make us a better business. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, we’re here to help. Just let us know, and we’ll work with you to make sure you have everything you need to shine.

What’s Next After the Programme?

Upon successful completion of the scheme, you’ll be well‑placed to move into a specialist role within our shipbuilding or maritime teams, with the potential to shape your career across the whole of Carnival Corporation.

Why Carnival Corporation?

• Operates a global fleet across eight leading cruise brands
• Is committed to innovation, sustainability, and safety
• Invests in its people to create a culture of growth and inclusion
• Offers a rewarding package including competitive salary, benefits, and career progression opportunities

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the future of cruising. Register for job alerts to be the first to hear about it: https://bit.ly/CUKJobAlerts