Principal Manufacuring Engineer - Manufacturing Systems

baesystems; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral scheme

Job summary

BAE Systems in Glasgow is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer for Manufacturing Systems. You will act as a technical authority, mentoring engineers and delivering digital solutions across MES, ERM, PLM, and CAD/CAM landscapes.

You will own the end-to-end MES test process, collaborate with Operations, IT, and other functions, and drive governance and quality in project work packages. The role requires strong leadership and strategic contribution to the T26 programme.

Qualifications

• Formal engineering qualification and relevant experience.
• Experience with MES, ERM, PLM, CAD/CAM systems.
• Proven leadership in manufacturing projects and cross-functional delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to manufacturing engineers.
• Drive data integration from manufacturing systems to enable insight-led decisions.
• Manage manufacturing systems requirements lifecycle with cross-functional teams.
• Perform root cause analysis of system issues and enable timely resolutions.
• Champion continuous improvement in digital manufacturing and data governance.
• Support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in strategy and DOA for manufacturing systems.

Skills

Leadership

Digital systems

Manufacturing expertise

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

MES

ERM

PLM

CAD/CAM

Job description

Job Title: ME4Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Systems

Location: Glasgow, Govan – Onsite full time

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

Referral Scheme: £1,000

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.

Job Description:

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will act as a technical authority, supporting and mentoring manufacturing engineers in the delivery of systems that create real business value, directly contributing to the success of the Type 26 (T26) programme and future shipbuilding projects. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with colleagues across Operations, IT, and other key functions to deliver integrated digital solutions that enable world class ship manufacturing.

Acting as Test Manager for Manufacturing Execution System (MES), you will own the end-to-end test process, ensuring clear governance, and overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of all work packages.

Core duties:

• You will provide technical leadership and mentoring to manufacturing engineers, fostering capability growth across the team
• You will drive the development, integration, and utilisation of data sets from manufacturing systems to enable insight-led decision making and process optimisation
• You will drive and support the manufacturing systems requirements lifecycle, working with cross-functional teams to deliver tactical projects and MES work packages that meet stakeholder needs
• You will perform root cause analysis of manufacturing system issues and drive effective, timely resolutions to sustain operational performance
• You will champion continuous improvement in digital manufacturing capability, processes, and data governance
• You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in shaping strategy and exercising Product Owner DOA (Delegation of Authority) for manufacturing systems and related initiatives

Essential Skills:

• You will have sound engineering knowledge – demonstrable via formal qualifications and experience
• You will be experienced in Digital Systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), NC Programming, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), 2D and 3D CAD/CAM principles
• You will showcase experience leading and coordinating tasks to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timelines, this will be demonstrated through your technical leadership

The Manufacturing Engineering Systems Team:

The Manufacturing Systems Team is at the forefront of driving digital transformation within BAE Systems Naval Ships. We identify, test, and deliver innovative manufacturing systems including our flagship programme, Digital Shipbuilder that enhance efficiency and capability across our operations.

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: 9th October 2026