Principal Naval Architect

BAE Systems; Rochester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor in the UK is seeking a Senior / Principal Naval Architect to conduct analysis on submarine manoeuvring performances. The role involves developing hydrodynamic models and collaborating with various teams to deliver innovative submarine solutions. A relevant degree and significant experience in submarine modelling and hydrodynamics are essential. The position offers competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to contribute to complex ship design programmes.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible discounted health benefits

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conducting analysis of submarine platforms' manoeuvring performances.
• Developing, verifying and validating manoeuvring models using test data.
• Managing the generation of safe manoeuvring envelopes.

Skills

Ship or submarine manoeuvring modelling

Understanding of hydrodynamic principles and methods

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Title : Senior / Principal Naval Architect

Location :

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

Salary :

Competitive

What you’ll be doing

• Conducting analysis and evaluations of submarine platforms manoeuvring performances from concept design to in-service support
• Undertaking the development, verification and validation of mathematical manoeuvring models using physical model test data
• Managing the generation of safe manoeuvring envelopes and supporting associated operator guidance
• You will be working with enterprise partners to develop the modelling capability, processes and toolsets for use to support our major programmes
• Working collaboratively with other naval architecture teams, systems teams, Active Vehicle Control system teams and propulsion engineers as well as customers and suppliers to deliver innovative and safe submarine solutions
• Supporting and conducting hydrodynamic sea trials such as depth and heading control, including test form development and post-trial data analysis

Your skills and experiences

Essential

• Experience in the generation of ship or submarine manoeuvring modelling
• A 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

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive 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.

The Vehicle Control team

As a Principal / Senior Naval Architect within the Vehicle Control team, you will be working alongside a team of 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 be working 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.

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 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 have 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.

Closing Date : 23rd January 2026

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.