Principal Naval Architect

BAE Systems; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK seeks a naval architect to conduct analysis and evaluate submarine platform manoeuvring performance. Responsibilities include developing manoeuvring models and collaborating with experts to deliver innovative submarine solutions. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Naval Architecture or a related field, strong understanding of hydrodynamic principles, and experience in generating ship or submarine models. The role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Experience in generating ship or submarine manoeuvring models.
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamic principles and methods.
• Desirable: Hydrodynamic/aerodynamic design and evaluation experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis and evaluate submarine platform manoeuvring performance.
• Develop, verify and validate mathematical manoeuvring models.
• Manage safe manoeuvring envelopes and support operator guidance.

Skills

Ship or submarine manoeuvring models

Hydrodynamic principles

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis and evaluate submarine platform manoeuvring performance from concept design to in-service support.
• Develop, verify and validate mathematical manoeuvring models using physical model test data.
• Manage generation of safe manoeuvring envelopes and support associated operator guidance.
• Work with enterprise partners to develop the modelling capability, processes and toolsets for major programmes.
• Collaborate with naval architecture teams, systems teams, Active Vehicle Control system teams, propulsion engineers, customers and suppliers to deliver innovative and safe submarine solutions.
• Support and conduct hydrodynamic sea trials such as depth and heading control, including test form development and post‑trial data analysis.

Qualifications

• Experience in generating ship or submarine manoeuvring models.
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamic principles and methods.
• Degree in Naval Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Hydrodynamic/aerodynamic design and evaluation experience.
• Physical testing experience.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards/ability to achieve.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary. BAE Systems also offers a competitive pension scheme, employee share plans, and a range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts. You may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

Security & Vetting Restrictions

Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as nationality, previous nationalities and place of birth can restrict which roles you are eligible to perform within the organization. All applicants must, at a minimum, achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, typically requiring 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.

About the Vehicle Control Team

The Vehicle Control team is a principal/senior naval architect working alongside experts within Naval Architecture and the Whole Boat Design Team in 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. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

BAE Systems is a place where you'll 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 empowers you to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and strive to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.