Principal Mechanical Engineer

Outsource UK Limited; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to own hydraulic design solutions for the next generation Royal Navy submarines. You will lead technical assurance and coordinate complex packages across systems and subsystems.

The role requires a track record delivering safety-critical hydraulics, strong leadership, and chartered status or progress toward it. This 12‑month contract involves on-site work two days every fortnight.

Qualifications

• Experience designing hydraulic systems for safety-critical environments (e.g. maritime, defence, nuclear).
• Familiar with hydraulic power units, variable frequency drives, control cabinets, pumps, motors, actuators.
• Proven system lifecycle delivery from concept to commissioning.
• Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership.
• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, owning design solutions and guiding others.
• Lead technical assurance of hydraulic systems for next‑gen Royal Navy submarines.
• Verify calculations are complete and meet technical intent.
• Support the team in tackling technical challenges and advising on solutions.
• Coordinate programmatic initiatives and lead additional work packages.
• Drive governance through peer reviews and design reviews, addressing documentation gaps.

Skills

Hydraulic system design

Maritime hydraulics

System lifecycle delivery

Technical leadership

Chartered engineer

Tools

Hydraulic test equipment

Job description

Client

BAE Systems

Job Title

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location

Barrow-in-Furness

Contract details

• Contract length: 12 months
• Days on site: 2 days per fortnight
• Rate: £50.00 PAYE or £67.47 Umbrella

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, owning design solutions and providing guidance to others.
• Lead the technical assurance of the hydraulic systems, sub-systems and equipment for the next generation Royal Navy submarines.
• Verify calculations are complete, checked by the appropriate SQEP and validate calculation meet technical intent.
• Supporting the team in tackling technical challenges, providing support and advice to ensure adequate technical solutions.
• Co-ordinate programmatic initiatives, leading additional work packages which fall outside normal system scope.
• Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews, identifying and addressing shortfalls in documentation or process.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong experience in the design of hydraulic systems – ideally in complex, safety-critical environments (e.g. maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas and sub-sea)
• Familiarity with systems and equipment involving; hydraulic power units (HPUs), variable frequency dives (VFDs), control cabinets, pumps, electric motors, hydraulic actuators, hydro-static transmissions and fluid mechanics.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery – from concept through to commissioning
• Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership
• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation

About BAE

BAE Systems is a leading global defence, aerospace, and security company. They’re experts in delivering advanced solutions for air, land, and naval forces, as well as commercial aerospace and cyber security. Known for its commitment to innovation and excellence, BAE Systems offers exciting career opportunities for those looking to make a significant impact in cutting-edge technology and defence sectors.

Inclusion statement

Outsource UK is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You'll receive consideration for your application without regard to race, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age.