Principal Naval Architect

Appcast; Inverkeithing; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Principal Naval Architect to join their Naval Architecture Department. You will design advanced submarines, support various shipbuilding programs, and work on complex projects. The role offers hybrid working arrangements and competitive benefits, including a pension scheme and enhanced leave.

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 the SSN AUKUS submarine.
• Supporting sea trials and commissioning activities.
• Writing and presenting technical reports.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Analytical Skills

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture

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: GBP 45,628 + depending on experience

What you'll be doing:

1. Designing the SSN AUKUS, which is now the world's most advanced submarine.
2. Using your knowledge of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, seamanship, and outfit, infrastructure, or whole boat design to support the largest shipbuilding programmes in the UK.
3. Supporting sea trials, inclining experiments, and other commissioning activities for multiple submarine classes.
4. Undertaking research and development activities to develop world-leading capabilities.
5. 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. Additionally, you will have access to 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 a key 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 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 will involve working one day a week on-site, with an expectation to travel to Barrow for work commitments. We offer relocation support packages across all submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and empowers you to fulfill your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We aim to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in assessments, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.

Please note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions, which may be influenced by your nationality, previous nationalities, or place of birth. All applicants must meet at least the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of security vetting, typically requiring 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency, depending on the vetting level.

Closing Date: 2nd June 2025

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