Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer

BAE Systems; Dalton-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Dalton-in-Furness is looking for a Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer to design and develop essential systems for submarines. Responsibilities include system design, documentation, and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates have experience in firefighting systems and leadership in technical roles. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Private health plans

Qualifications

• Experience in complex, safety-critical environments (maritime, aerospace, defence).
• Demonstrated capability in system lifecycle delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design of Firefighting and/or SMERAS systems for submarines.
• Produce design documentation and validation evidence.
• Engage with stakeholders across the project team.

Skills

Design of fixed firefighting systems

Experience in high-pressure systems

Leadership through technical direction

Familiarity with firefighting hose reels

Education

Chartered engineer or working towards accreditation

Job description

Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer

BAE Systems • Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria • £42,792 per year (estimated) • Full time • NEW

Job Title: Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please discuss options with your recruiter.

Salary: Competitive

What you'll be doing

• Design of Firefighting and/or Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment, and Survival (SMERAS) systems, sub‑systems and equipment for the next generation Royal Navy submarines.
• Undertake functional design activities, modelling and analysis.
• Produce design documentation, verification & validation evidence and safety justifications.
• Support specification qualification and procurement of components, working collaboratively with suppliers.
• Engage with stakeholders across the cross‑functional project team.
• Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews.

Your skills and experiences

Essential

• Experience in the design of fixed firefighting systems – ideally in complex, safety‑critical environments (maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas and sub‑sea).
• Familiarity with firefighting hose reels/nozzles, pumps, water mist systems, aqueous film‑forming foam, etc.
• Experience in high‑pressure systems or life‑support technologies.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery – from concept through commissioning.
• Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring or project ownership.
• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation.

Desirable

• Knowledge of platform‑level constraints such as noise, shock or survivability.
• Previous experience with SMERAS systems, hyperbaric chambers or sub‑sea pressure environments.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme, employee share plans, flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, green car scheme, private health plans, shopping discounts and potential annual incentive.

The Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineering team

As a Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer you will play a pivotal role in designing and developing submarine firefighting, SMERAS and related systems. You will be responsible for system‑level design, technical leadership, supplier engagement and have the opportunity to steer design architecture across a major submarine programme. Relocation support packages are available for all submarines roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

We provide an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity and merit, and empowers you to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive recruitment processes. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect assessment performance, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.

Security and Export Control

Many roles are subject to security and export control restrictions. Eligibility may be limited by nationality, previous nationalities and place of birth. Minimum baseline personnel security standard is required; additional vetting may be required for 5–10 years continuous residency in the UK, depending on the role.

Closing Date

28th November 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.