Graduate Project Engineer (Purfleet or Killingholme)

Cldn; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider in the UK is seeking a Graduate Project Engineer to join their Engineering team based at Purfleet or Killingholme. This role involves supporting maintenance operations, driving improvements in processes, and engaging with stakeholders across various European ports. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and some practical experience. The position offers competitive salary, training, and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Training and development

Travel and accommodation expenses

Qualifications

• Some exposure to practical or technical work from projects, placements, internships, or other experience.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Understanding of Health and Safety principles required.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day maintenance operations across ports.
• Drive continuous improvement within engineering teams.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure project success.

Skills

Mechanical fault-finding and problem-solving

Professional communication

Proactive approach

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (minimum 2:2)

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Graduate Project Engineer (Purfleet or Killingholme)

CLdN is a leading provider of integrated quay-to-quay and door-to-door logistics solutions. Founded in 1928, CLdN ensures reliable, cost-effective transport that links the major economic areas of Europe. With 30 ships and more than 200 sailings a week, CLdN provides shortsea roll-on / roll-off (ro-ro) connections between the European continent, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iberia and Scandinavia and offers the lowest CO2 footprint of all Western European RoRo operators. CLdN’s cargo and multimodal services have a Europe-wide reach using CLdN’s extensive network of ships, terminals and equipment. CLdN’s 3,000 employees ensure that it fulfills its mission: to excel as an integrated provider of maritime links.

We’re pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Project Engineer to join our busy Engineering team, based at either our Purfleet or Killingholme site. Although you’ll have a fixed home location, you’ll also have the chance to travel to our other terminals across the UK – including Liverpool – as well as to our European ports in Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and beyond, giving you broad exposure to CLdN’s wider operations. In this hands‑on role, you’ll support the smooth running of day‑to‑day maintenance activities while taking an active role in developing new projects that drive continuous improvement. As you grow within the role, you’ll shape both your own engineering capability and the evolution of our maintenance processes, becoming an integral part of a fast‑paced and dynamic port environment.

Your role

• Support day-to-day maintenance operations across our Ports, providing technical input and practical assistance with:
  • Mechanical fault‑finding and problem‑solving
  • Professional communication with suppliers to resolve issues
  • A proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues within maintenance software
• Drive continuous improvement within the Engineering Teams by:
  • Spotting opportunities to enhance maintenance processes and software through proactive problem‑solving
  • Supporting users during software system updates and new feature implementations
  • Promoting best practice and smarter, more efficient ways of working
• Take part in equipment and infrastructure upgrades, including:
  • Assisting with modifications to rolling stock – structural, electrical, software‑based or mechanical
  • Leading smaller project packages and contributing to larger ones
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure project expectations are clear, aligned and successfully delivered.
• Act as a key contact for terminal equipment matters, working with suppliers, workshop teams and terminal staff.
• Support contract implementation and procurement, assisting with maintenance contracts and equipment sourcing in line with technical requirements.
• Prepare technical and financial assessments, including:
  • Comparison studies and specification reviews
  • Accurate cost analyses using company and supplier data
  • KPI and management reports as required
• Use operational data to evaluate equipment performance, support throughput improvements and contribute to maintenance planning.
• Engage confidently with internal and external stakeholders, clarifying requirements and ensuring outcomes meet expected quality standards.
• Resolve problems with guidance from management, building your experience and developing your own engineering judgement over time.

Your profile

A degree in a relevant engineering discipline (minimum 2:2, or equivalent).

Some exposure to practical or technical work – this could come from university projects, placements, internships, part‑time roles or other hands‑on experience.

Good communication and interpersonal skills, along with confidence using Microsoft Office applications and bespoke IT systems.

A proactive, professional and practical approach, particularly in an industrial environment.

An analytical, forward‑thinking mindset with the confidence to solve problems.

A good understanding of Health and Safety principles.

A full, clean driving licence and a valid passport for travel to our European ports.

The ability to prioritise tasks and work within tight timescales.

Willingness to undertake a Basic DBS check due to the secure nature of port operations.

In return we offer a competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, training and development, travel and accommodation expenses.

If you wish to apply, please submit an up‑to‑date CV with covering letter to [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Closing date for applications is 17.00hrs on Monday 15th December 2025