Principal Naval Architect

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Naval Architect to lead the design of cutting-edge submarines. This role offers the chance to work on complex ship design and build programmes, contributing to the UK's naval capabilities. You will utilize your expertise in naval architecture, hydrostatics, and hydrodynamics to support significant shipbuilding projects. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, this position provides opportunities for professional growth while working within a diverse and inclusive environment. Join a team that values integrity and empowers its members to make a real difference.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Company-contributed Share Incentive Plan

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Cycle2work

Employee discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience as a Naval Architect.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartered status.

Responsibilities

• Designing advanced submarines for the UK's largest shipbuilding programmes.
• Supporting sea trials and commissioning activities for multiple submarine classes.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Hydrostatics

Hydrodynamics

Analytical Skills

Seamanship

Technical Reporting

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Naval Architect

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Brough, Frimley, Weymouth, Filton, Portsmouth or Manchester. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £45,628 + depending on experience

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing the SSN AUKUS, now the world’s most advanced Submarine
• Using your knowledge of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, seamanship, and outfit, infrastructure, or whole boat design to support the UK's largest shipbuilding programmes
• Supporting sea trials, inclining experiments, and other commissioning activities for multiple submarine classes
• Undertaking research and development activities to develop world-leading capabilities
• Writing and presenting technical reports

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience as a Naval Architect
• Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartered status

Desirable:

• Degree in Naval Architecture
• Experience in ship design analysis and build support
• Advanced numeracy and analytical skills
• Previous experience working on defence projects

Benefits:

You’ll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance, 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 Naval Architecture team:

As a Principal Naval Architect, you will be an important member of one of the largest and fastest-growing Naval Architecture Departments in the UK. You will work on some of the most complex ship design and build programmes ever undertaken to deliver cutting-edge submarines to the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

This role provides the opportunity to work on submarines at all stages of the product lifecycle, from early design to build support and commissioning. The Naval Architecture Department includes teams specializing in weights engineering, stability and hydrostatics, infrastructure support, seamanship and outfit, manoeuvring and control, fluid dynamics, design, and development. Depending on your location, the role involves working one day a week on-site, with expectations to travel to Barrow for work commitments. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you can make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfill your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, especially from underrepresented communities within our industry, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities. We aim to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. If you have a health condition (for example, dyslexia, autism, anxiety disorder, etc.) that may affect your assessment performance, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.

Please note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors such as your nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth can restrict your eligibility for certain roles. All applicants must meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard at a minimum. Many roles require higher security vetting, which involves 5 to 10 years of continuous residence in the UK, depending on the vetting level required.

Closing Date: 16th May 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

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