Meet Jonathan Taylor, Vice President of Marine.
His story is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and long-term growth within the engineering world. From humble beginnings to leading global marine operations, Jonathan’s career journey is one many graduates and early careers professionals will find both relatable and inspiring.
Taking the first step: from job hunt to Expleo
Jonathan’s Expleo journey didn’t begin with a fast-track graduate scheme or a polished offer letter – it began with bold determination.
“After earning a first-class engineering degree, I expected the job offers to come pouring in. But they didn’t. So, I started writing letters, actual letters, to every local engineering firm I could find in the Yellow Pages.”
One of those letters reached the CEO of Inbis (now part of Expleo), leading to a meeting and ultimately, a job offer. On his first day as a graduate, Jonathan was immediately thrown into a high-stakes nuclear decommissioning project.
“It was serious engineering from day one. I was completely out of my depth – but that’s where you grow.”
If you’re at the start of your career and looking to join a company that gives you responsibility from day one, explore our and discover how you can make your own mark.
Building a career: from engineer to Vice President
Over the years, Jonathan’s career at Expleo has been shaped by steady progress, smart risks, and strong leadership values.
“It hasn’t always been a straight path, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about building the right team and knowing when to ask for help.”
Now as VP of Marine, he leads operations across both defence and commercial sectors, delivering complex projects and driving innovation in marine technology.
Discover our marine and defence world to see how our teams are shaping the future of the industry.
Why marine? A career full of purpose and precision
For Jonathan, the marine industry is more than just a job, it’s a source of daily motivation.
“You’re solving real-world problems in high-stakes environments. Safety, precision and innovation aren’t just buzzwords, they’re essential.”
While he’s proud of the technical achievements, it’s the people that stand out.
“Building the team I have today is my proudest achievement. Seeing people grow, thrive and lead is the most fulfilling part of my role.”
Jonathan’s story is just one of many. If you’re curious about what a career at Expleo could look like, meet more people behind the projects on our career blog and get inspired.
Words of advice to the next generation
Jonathan is passionate about supporting the next wave of talent and he has some valuable advice for those just starting out.
“Have a clear goal, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be curious, seek feedback, and find mentors who challenge and support you.”
If he could speak to his younger self?
“I’d tell myself to enjoy the ride a bit more. I was intense and driven, which helped, but I wish I’d taken a little more time to breathe and have fun too.”
What’s next for Expleo marine?
Looking ahead, Jonathan sees exciting developments on the horizon for Expleo’s marine division.
“We’re aiming for a more prominent role with the Ministry of Defence, focusing on areas like autonomy, hypersonic tech, AI and next-gen submarines. It’s about staying at the forefront while supporting national capability and innovation.”
Ready to launch your own journey at Expleo?
Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking for your next step in engineering, there’s a place for you here.
