Principal Electrical Engineer

Navantia Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Hybrid working

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Navantia Group is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to join their Bristol team. As a key player, you'll lead the design and integration of electrical systems for naval projects, requiring significant expertise in power generation and distribution.

The ideal candidate must have a degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience with HV and LV systems. This position offers a hybrid working model and opportunities for career growth in a global organization.

Qualifications

• Experienced electrical systems engineer with capability to lead complex projects.
• Significant experience in power generation and distribution system design.
• Strong knowledge of HV and LV systems within marine or naval platforms.
• Understanding of naval/maritime codes, standards, and regulations.
• Chartered Engineer status (or actively working towards it) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and optimisation of electrical systems for naval and government vessels.
• Specify and develop power generation and distribution systems (HV & LV).
• Deliver robust energy management strategies that improve efficiency.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines for seamless system integration.
• Engage with clients, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
• Drive innovation in areas such as alternative power sources and future fuels.

Skills

Leadership

Power generation and distribution system design

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

• Department: Sales / Business Development / Bid Management
• Employment Type: Permanent

Company Description

Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history.

In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish.

By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well‑positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the country.

Job Description

Principal Electrical Engineer

Are you ready to take the lead on some of the most advanced naval engineering projects in the world?

Navantia UK is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to join our growing Bristol‑based team. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the design, integration, and optimisation of electrical and control systems for complex naval and government platforms – shaping the future of maritime capability.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the design, integration, and optimisation of electrical systems for naval and government vessels
• Specify and develop power generation and distribution systems (HV & LV)
• Deliver robust energy management strategies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure seamless system integration
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers
• Engage with clients, suppliers, and regulatory authorities
• Drive innovation in areas such as alternative power sources, future fuels, autonomy, and digital systems
• Support projects through build and throughout the vessel lifecycle

About You

You’ll be an experienced electrical systems engineer with the confidence and capability to lead technically complex projects. You’ll bring:

• A degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s desirable)
• Significant experience in power generation and distribution system design and integration
• Strong knowledge of HV and LV systems within marine or naval platforms
• Understanding of naval/maritime codes, standards, and regulations
• Experience with energy management and sustainable technologiesChartered Engineer status (or actively working towards it)
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and problem‑solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Eligibility for BPSS and potentially SC clearance

Why Join Navantia UK?

Work on nationally and internationally significant naval programmes

Lead complex, high‑impact engineering solutions

Be part of a growing UK organisation with global backing

Contribute to sustainable and future‑focused maritime technologies

Join a collaborative, expert engineering community

Additional Information

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working – typically 3 days per week in our Bristol office.
• Career growth opportunities within a global organisation.
• The chance to work on complex, cutting‑edge naval projects.
• An inclusive, collaborative workplace where your contributions make a difference.

Equal Opportunity: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online, please contact us at [e-mail] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.