Job Title:
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Location:
Barrow-in-Furness, Hybrid
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please
speak
to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Salary:
Circa £55,000
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.
What you will be doing:
In this role, you will
lead
the development of
complex
mechanical fluid systems that support critical submarine platform functions. You will define system requirements, develop high-integrity engineering solutions and ensure designs meet demanding performance, safety and environmental requirements. Working closely with engineering and project teams, you will support modelling and
analysis
activities, technical reviews, and supplier engagement while contributing to cost estimation, risk assessments and the resolution of technical
challenges
across the programme.
Core Duties:
Lead
the end-to-end design and development of
complex
fluid systems for submarine platforms, ensuring solutions meet demanding operational, safety and environmental requirements.
Produce and review high-value engineering deliverables including schematics, P&IDs, engineering calculations, system descriptions and 3D models.
Carry
out advanced system
analyses
including flow, pressure, thermal and transient modelling to validate performance under
challenging
operating conditions.
Select and assess critical equipment such as pumps, compressors, valves, heat exchangers, filters and tanks, ensuring suitability for submarine environments.
Review supplier documentation to ensure compliance with requirements relating to shock, vibration, temperature, atmosphere, maintainability and equipment accessibility.
Contribute to technical reviews, hazard studies and verification activities to ensure design quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
Support resolution of technical issues, design modifications and non-conformances across the engineering lifecycle.
Hold a relevant engineering degree and
strong
experience in mechanical, marine, process or fluid systems engineering within
complex
or regulated environments, with knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and system performance modelling; experience with tools such as FloMASTER, FluidFlow, MATLAB, CFD or ANSYS is desirable.
The Mechanical Engineering Discipline Team:
This is an exciting opportunity to join the SSN-AUKUS Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team as a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, acting as a technical specialist for critical compressible and incompressible fluid systems essential to submarine operations. You will take
ownership
of high-integrity mechanical designs in one of the most demanding engineering environments, working across multidisciplinary teams to develop
complex
system solutions, influence platform-level
decisions
and ensure designs meet strict safety, performance and environmental standards. This role offers the chance to contribute directly to one of the UK’s most advanced defence programmes. Relocation support may be available for submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with
confidence
and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a
strong
sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive.
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
We welcome applications from all
candidates
and give full, fair and open consideration to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss any further support you may need. Connect with us at baesystems.com/connect
Security Statement:
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export
control
restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict
the roles
you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All
applicants
must
as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where
applicants
must
typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for
the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date:
27th March 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for
the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
#LI-MS1
#LI-Hybrid