Principal Engineer - Mechanical - Chilled Water

baesystems; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, integration and technical assurance of chilled water systems on a complex marine platform. You will apply expertise in system performance, capacity assessment and optimisation to deliver robust, compliant solutions across the shipbuilding lifecycle.

You will report to the Engineering Manager, lead a small team of engineers, and engage with customers and suppliers across the UK and internationally.

Qualifications

• Experience with chilled water systems or related HVAC design.
• Understanding of system performance and capacity assessment.
• Ability to manage supplier and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration and technical assurance of chilled water systems.
• Apply expertise to deliver robust, compliant solutions across shipbuilding lifecycle.
• Drive process improvements and support engineering investigations with evidence-based decisions.

Skills

Chilled Water

Refrigeration

Auxiliary Systems

Education

STEM degree or equivalent

Chartered Engineer or equivalent

Job description

Job Title:

Principal Mechanical Engineer (Chilled Water Systems)

Location:

Glasgow, Portsmouth, Filton, Bristol, New Malden, Frimley, hybrid - 2 on site – this role will require international travel depend on business needs

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Referral Scheme:

£1000

Grade:

GG11

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

What you’ll be doing:

You will lead the design, integration, and technical assurance of chilled water systems across a complex marine platform. You will apply deep expertise in system performance, capacity assessment, and optimisation to deliver robust, compliant, and customer focused solutions throughout the shipbuilding lifecycle. This role ensures high engineering standards by driving improvements to processes, supporting technical investigations, and providing evidence-based decision making. You’ll report directly to the Engineering Manager and lead a small team of Chilled Water Engineers.

Core duties:

• Lead the effort in developing, maintaining and modifying engineering processes and procedures in assigned areas in response to technical developments and operational need.


• Carry out relatively complex technical analyses and investigations, including evaluation and selection of technical options, and prepare reports with suggested recommendations to support the resolution of problems and the improvement of engineering capability.


• Act as main point of contact with customers and/or suppliers in assigned areas on engineering matters, to resolve relatively complex problems and issues and to maintain awareness in both parties of priorities and objectives.


• Make engineering decisions within own sphere of responsibility and delegated authority.

Essential skills:

• Experience and expertise, in Chilled Water systems, Refrigeration or Auxiliary System design.


• Qualified to HND/degree level in a STEM related discipline. Applicants should be a Chartered Engineer or hold another equivalent professional registration with a relevant institution


• Experience in Supplier and Stakeholder Management.

The Team:

The Chilled Water team is a highly collaborative specialist engineering function comprising four professionals, including the Principal Engineer. This role forms part of a dynamic, multi-stakeholder global programme, offering regular engagement with internal stakeholders, partners, and suppliers across the UK, Canada, France, and the United States.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

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

Closing Date:

15thOctober 2026, interviews for this role will take place w/c 26th October