Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer

BAE Systems Canada; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK seeks a Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer to design advanced firefighting and rescue systems for submarines. The role involves functional design, stakeholder engagement, and governance. Candidates should have experience in fixed firefighting systems and strong leadership skills. Competitive salary and flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in designing systems for complex, safety-critical environments.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery from concept to commissioning.
• Experience in engaging with stakeholders and driving engineering governance.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce documentation for SMERAS systems.
• Support specification qualification and procurement of components.
• Engage with cross-functional project stakeholders.

Skills

Design of fixed firefighting systems

High-pressure systems

Leadership in technical direction

Familiarity with firefighting technologies

Education

Chartered engineer or working towards accreditation

Job description

Job Title: Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

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
• Engaging with stakeholders across the cross-functional project team
• Driving 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 (e.g. maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas and sub-sea)
• Familiarity with systems and equipment involving; 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 to commissioning
• Demonstrated leadership - either 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 Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment, and Survival (SMERAS) systems, hyperbaric chambers/sub-sea pressure environments

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts.

The Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineering team:

As a Firefighting / SMERAS Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine of Firefighting, and/or Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment, and Survival (SMERAS) systems.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential.

Please note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard.

Closing Date: 30th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.