Principal Mechanical Engineer

ESP Utilities Group; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic utility company based in the UK is seeking a Principal Supportability Engineer to lead integrated product support activities. This role involves optimizing support solutions for complex, safety-critical systems and managing a small team. The ideal candidate has proven experience in integrated logistics support, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to achieve SC clearance. This contract offers autonomy and the opportunity to work on mission-critical systems in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in ILS/IPS, ideally within UK MOD environments.
• Background supporting complex systems and equipment.
• Experience developing and managing support modelling.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team delivering LSA and dynamic support modelling.
• Optimise support solutions across the system lifecycle.
• Produce and manage Supportability Case Reports for in-service and change work packages.

Skills

Experience in ILS/IPS

Project-based environment

Supportability Analysis

Leadership experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

Level 6 qualification

Tools

Proprietary LSAR

Job description

Principal Supportability Engineer

Security Clearance: SC required. Contract Length: 6 months. Rate: £71-£87 per hour. Location: Bristol / Hawthorn / Oakhanger / Hybrid. It starts with you: This is an opportunity to make a real impact within a fast-growing, forward-thinking mission systems environment. We're looking for an experienced and dynamic Principal Supportability Engineer to lead integrated product support activities and manage a small team of specialists working on a complex, safety-critical communications system. You'll play a key role in shaping through-life support solutions, influencing design for supportability, and delivering robust support strategies across a highly complex programme. This contract offers an excellent opportunity to work on complex, mission‑critical systems while shaping long‑term supportability strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team delivering LSA and dynamic support modelling.
• Optimise support solutions across the system lifecycle.
• Work closely with internal and external engineering teams to ensure design for supportability is embedded early.
• Capture and manage supportability data using a proprietary LSAR.
• Deliver through‑life support solutions and contractual documentation.
• Produce and manage Supportability Case Reports for in‑service and change work packages.
• Engage with customers, suppliers, and project teams across multiple locations.
• Require some travel to operational and customer sites; offers high level of autonomy.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in ILS/IPS, ideally within UK MOD environments.
• Strong experience of operating in a project-based environment.
• Background supporting complex systems and equipment.
• Hands‑on experience of Supportability Analysis and use of a proprietary LSAR.
• Extensive knowledge of ILS / LSA standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and managing support modelling for in‑service and change programmes.
• Experience authoring and managing Supportability Case Reports.
• Level 6 qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Ability to achieve and maintain the required SC clearance.

Desirable Skills

• Awareness of ITIL processes.
• Experience with Raytheon EAGLE.
• Knowledge of NATO Codification.