Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineer (Platform Systems)

Matchtech Group; Barrow-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer based in Barrow to support submarine platform systems within defence. You will provide technical leadership across hydraulic and actuation domains for a major submarine programme, with a hybrid pattern (two days onsite per fortnight).

The role requires extensive experience in mechanical and hydraulic system design in safety-critical environments, Chartered Engineer status or active progression, and a track record delivering solutions

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in mechanical engineering and hydraulic system design.
• Proven track record delivering systems from concept to commissioning in safety-critical sectors.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills for cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for mechanical design solutions and guide teams.
• Assure hydraulic system integrity through reviews and documentation.
• Support system-level design and architecture across submarine programmes.
• Verify calculations align with specifications and standards.
• Resolve complex technical challenges with practical engineering solutions.
• Coordinate initiatives and lead additional work packages beyond the system scope.
• Drive governance through peer reviews and design reviews to close gaps.
• Promote safety, health and environmental compliance in all activities.

Skills

Mechanical design

Hydraulic systems design

Technical leadership

Safety-critical environments

Education

Chartered Engineer status

Tools

ASME/BS EN/Defence Standards

Job description

Our client is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of submarine platform systems within the defence and security sector. Based in Barrow, this contract role offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership across hydraulic and actuation systems for a major submarine programme.

Role Details:

• Contract duration of 12 months
• Location: Barrow
• Hybrid working pattern, with two days onsite per fortnight
• Focus on submarine hydraulic, actuation and platform systems

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership, owning mechanical design solutions and guiding engineering teams
• Lead the technical assurance of hydraulic systems, sub-systems and equipment
• Support system-level design, development and design architecture across the submarine programme
• Verify that engineering calculations are complete, appropriately checked and aligned with technical requirements
• Support the resolution of complex technical challenges by providing engineering advice and practical solutions
• Coordinate programme initiatives and lead additional work packages outside the normal system scope
• Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews, identifying and addressing documentation or process shortfalls
• Promote high standards of safety, health and environmental compliance throughout all engineering activities

Job Requirements:

• Strong experience in mechanical engineering and the design of hydraulic systems
• Experience working in complex, safety-critical environments such as defence, maritime, aerospace, nuclear, oil and gas or subsea engineering
• Knowledge of hydraulic power units, variable frequency drives, control cabinets, pumps, electric motors, hydraulic actuators, hydrostatic transmissions and fluid mechanics
• Proven capability in delivering systems throughout the engineering lifecycle, from concept through to commissioning
• Demonstrated technical leadership through engineering direction, mentoring or project ownership
• Understanding of relevant design standards, such as ASME, BS EN, Defence Standards or MOD requirements
• Chartered Engineer status or active progress towards professional accreditation
• Strong communication, technical assurance and problem-solving skills

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in submarine or ship design
• Understanding of platform-level constraints, including noise, shock and survivability
• Experience engaging with suppliers and stakeholders on hydraulic systems
• Knowledge of hydraulic control logic and variable frequency drive solutions