Firefighting Systems Design Engineer

Gold Group; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established defence manufacturing firm is seeking an experienced Firefighting Systems Design Engineer to contribute to the next generation Royal Navy submarines. The role involves designing complex firefighting systems, including rigorous analysis and documentation. Candidates should hold a relevant degree, have experience with fixed systems in safety-critical environments, and demonstrate leadership skills. The position offers a mostly remote work model with two required days every fortnight in Barrow in Furness, with a competitive salary range of £45,000 – £60,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent Level 6 Qualification (ideally within a STEM subject).
• Experience in the design of fixed firefighting systems in complex, safety-critical environments.
• Familiarity with systems and equipment involving firefighting hose reels/nozzles, pumps, water mist systems.
• Experience in high-pressure systems or life-support technologies.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery - from concept through to commissioning.
• Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership.
• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Design of Firefighting and/or SMERAS systems 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.
• Engage with stakeholders across the cross-functional project team.
• Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews.

Job description

Job Title: Firefighting Systems Design Engineer

Location: Mostly Remote – 2 days every 2 weeks in Barrow in Furness

Role Type: Permanent

Salary: £45,000 – £60,000 per annum depending on experience

Our client, an established defence manufacturing firm in Barrow in Furness, requires an experienced Firefighting Systems Design Engineer to join their multi‑disciplined team.

Please note we can only consider sole UK Nationals (no dual nationalities)

Responsibilities

Some of the main duties of the Firefighting Systems Design Engineer will include:

• 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

Qualifications

What experience you need to be the successful Firefighting Systems Design Engineer:

Essential

• Degree or equivalent Level 6 Qualification (ideally within a STEM subject)
• 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

This really is a fantastic opportunity for a Firefighting Systems Design Engineer to progress their career. If you are interested please apply as soon as possible as this position will be filled quickly so don't miss out!

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