Lead Mechanical Engineer – Cooling & HVAC

JR United Kingdom; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational defence company is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer – Cooling & HVAC in Kirkby. This role involves leading the design and development of cooling systems for submarines, mentoring teams, and engaging with suppliers. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in HVAC systems and is familiar with relevant engineering standards. The position offers competitive benefits and focuses on flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in designing cooling, ventilation, or HVAC systems.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Proven track record of delivering systems from design to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of Cooling and HVAC systems for submarines.
• Manage small teams and support engineers' development.
• Engage with suppliers on thermal control system requirements.

Skills

Design and development of cooling systems

Thermodynamics and fluid dynamics

Leadership and mentoring

Familiarity with ASME and safety standards

Education

Relevant engineering degree

Job description

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Lead Mechanical Engineer – Cooling & HVAC, Kirkby

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Client:

BAE Systems

Location:

Kirkby, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

04.08.2025

Expiry Date:

18.09.2025

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Job Description:

Job title: Lead Mechanical Engineer – Cooling & HVAC

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role

What you’ll be doing:

Lead the design and development of Cooling and HVAC systems, subsystems and equipment for the next generation of Royal Navy Submarines

Perform functional design tasks, including system modelling, analysis, and validation

Promote robust engineering governance by conducting peer and design reviews

The role offers flexibility to align with your expertise and career goals, with opportunities to focus on:

Technical Leadership – Take ownership of design solutions and provide technical guidance to engineering teams

People Leadership – Manage small teams and support the growth of development of engineers

Specialist Technical Delivery – Specialise in detailed analysis, performance optimisation, and system integration of Cooling and HVAC systems

Your skills and experiences:

Extensive experience in the design and development of cooling, ventilation, Or HVAC systems, preferably within complex, safety-critical industries such as maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, or oil & gas

Strong understanding of systems and equipment involving thermodynamics, fluid dynamics (compressible and incompressible flow), heat transfer, as well as components such as fans, pumps, and environmental control systems

Proven track record in delivering systems across the full engineering lifecycle – from concept design through to commissioning

Demonstrated leadership ability, evidenced through technical direction, mentoring, or ownership of key projects or work packages

Prior experience in submarine or naval vessel design

Familiarity with relevant engineering standards, such as ASME, BS EN, Def-Stan, or MOD-specific requirements

Understanding of platform-level cooling considerations, including noise reduction, shock resistance, and survivability

Experience engaging with suppliers and stakeholders on environmental or thermal control system requirements and specifications

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 – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Platform Mechanical Team:

You will join the Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team – a dynamic and collaborative engineering group at the forefront of submarine platform development. This multidisciplinary team brings together engineers from a range of backgrounds, experience levels, and partner organisations to deliver essential mechanical capabilities. In this role, you will work closely with suppliers, systems engineers, and programme stakeholders to develop high-integrity technical solutions, support team growth, and help ensure delivery is aligned with programme schedules and budgetary requirements. We offer relocation support across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you will 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. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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 leave 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending in the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 28th August 2025

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.