Principal Structural Engineer

BAE Systems; Millom; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to analyse and design complex steel structures in support of submarine builds. The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree, expertise in structural steel analysis, and familiarity with Eurocodes. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, a competitive pension, and extensive employee benefits. Applications are encouraged before the closing date of 28th November 2025.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible discounted health and wellbeing benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Professional experience in structural steel analysis and design.
• Knowledge of specific regulations beyond BAE Systems standards.
• Ability to conduct computer-based analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and design complex steel structures for submarine builds.
• Support manufacturing, assembly, and installation processes of structures.
• Produce technical outputs that meet contractual requirements.

Skills

Engineering Degree BEng/MEng or equivalent experience

Civil/Mechanical/Structural Background

Chartered Engineer CEng Status or IEng Status

Expertise in structural steel analysis and Design

Fully conversant in Eurocodes and British Standards

Competent in reviewing Design Outputs

Good understanding of mechanical engineering and LOLER

Working knowledge of ABAQUS, S-Frame, MathCAD, and Excel

Experience in a production environment

Education

BEng/MEng in Engineering

Tools

ABAQUS

S-Frame

MathCAD

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Principal Structural Engineer

Location: Barrow-in-Furness – 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:

• Analysis and Design of complex steel structures utilising Eurocodes, British Standards and BAE standards, to support submarine build
• You will utilise your knowledge of specific regulations & requirements beyond that used within BAE Systems i.e., LOLER, codes of compliance, weld specifications, geometric tolerance
• Responsible for interpreting competent in computer based analytical techniques including finite element analysis, CAD modelling and engineering schematics (Abaqus, S-Frame)
• Supporting the manufacturing, assembly, lifting, handling, and installation processes of Submarine Structures, Modules and Components
• Supporting towards production of concept drawings, layouts, and other technical outputs consistent with contractual requirements to meet target dates and budget demands
• Responsible for approvals, checking analysis and outputs

Your skills and experiences:

• Engineering Degree BEng/MEng or equivalent experience
• Civil/Mechanical/Structural Based and Chartered Engineer CEng Status or Incorporated Engineer IEng Status nearing CEng Status
• Expertise in structural steel analysis and Design
• Fully conversant in use of Eurocodes and British Standards
• Competent in reviewing and checking of Design Outputs
• Good understanding of mechanical engineering, structural steelwork, knowledge of lifting handling and LOLER
• Working knowledge of ABAQUS (Software), S-Frame Foran, MathCAD and excel
• Previous knowledge in a production environment – experience in a marine production environment advantageous

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 Specialist Structures Department team:

As a Principal Engineer, you will be working with a dual function team (design and engineers) consisting of 14 people at various seniority levels. The team is responsible for engineering assessments of the designs in support of build. You will be working in conjunction with design to produce equipment and/or support operation in production to produce safety‑critical equipment. 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:

28th November 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.