Principal Mechanical Engineer

BAE Systems; Kirkby-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defense and aerospace is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their Combat Systems team. You will lead mechanical systems development and team activities, requiring deep knowledge in mechanical equipment. This role fosters an inclusive culture, offering flexible working arrangements and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave entitlement

Company contributed Share Incentive Plan

Flexible working options

Employee support program

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of mechanical equipment and components.
• Experience in leadership and team management.
• Knowledge of Fluid Systems is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Support design documentation and undertake reviews.
• Act as Team Lead, managing day-to-day activities.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

In-depth Mechanical Knowledge

Fluid Systems Knowledge

Education

BEng (Hons) / MEng in relevant STEM degree

CEng or working towards CEng

Job description

Job title: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Barrow-in-Furness or Bristol. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role

What you'll be doing:

• Develop and manage requirements and acceptance criteria specific to a system or product and/or across a system of systems, platform or programme
• Understand the contractual and performance requirements for various systems and support the definition and associated acceptance criteria and events through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities
• Support the team in updating documentation required for the design, including: diagrams; technical specifications; supporting calculations; design evidence and justifications
• Undertake design reviews and presentations to customers
• Review relevant supplier documentation and ensure it is captured and recorded appropriately

Your skills and experiences:

• In-depth knowledge and experience specifying mechanical equipment and components (heat exchangers, pumps, diesel generators, hydraulic plant, compressors, etc)
• Any knowledge in Fluid Systems would be beneficial (Air / Hydraulics / Water)
• Prior experience of problem solving within a build environment / industry would be beneficial
• Leadership / Team Management experience would be ideal
• BEng (Hons) / MEng or equivalent in a relevant STEM degree
• CEng or capable of achieving / working towards CEng

You'll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave incentive and a Company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You'll also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Platform Combat Systems team:

As the Principal Mechanical Engineer within out Platform Combat Systems Team, you will be joining a team that has spent over 10 years developing equipment to support the Combat System. The team is now moving into a critical phase of the build programme with plenty of opportunities to get involved with the physical product.

As the successful candidate you will provide support to the Senior Engineering Manager and/or external specialists during the development and analysis of the mechanical systems. You will also act as Team Lead, managing the day-to-day activities as well as developing and maintaining the competency and skills of the team, project plan and schedule project activities, whilst managing resolutions of any related issues. We offer relocation support across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you will be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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

Closing Date: 19 th June 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.