Principal Electrical Engineer

Navantia; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work pattern

Global career growth

Cutting-edge naval projects

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Navantia UK in Bristol is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimisation of electrical and control systems for complex naval and government platforms. You will provide technical leadership from concept through build and in-service support, mentor engineers, and drive energy management and sustainable technologies across multidisciplinary teams.

This leadership role offers exposure to flagship programmes, collaboration with clients and suppliers, and a

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Marine, or related discipline.
• Significant experience in power generation and distribution design.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Eligibility for BPSS and SC clearance.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Communication

Naval codes & standards

Clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Marine Engineering

Master's degree desirable

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.

About Navantia UK

Navantia UK is part of the global Navantia Group, a world leader in innovative naval solutions. We specialise in the design, construction, and through-life support of ships and systems for naval and government customers, delivering engineering excellence through cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and innovation.

The Opportunity

As Principal Electrical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership from concept design through build and in-service support. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will ensure electrical systems meet demanding performance, safety, and regulatory requirements — while driving innovation in energy management, sustainability, and emerging technologies.

This is a leadership role with real influence, offering the chance to mentor engineers, engage with key stakeholders, and contribute to next-generation naval platforms.

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

• 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 technologies
• Chartered 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

If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in naval engineering, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.