Senior Mechanical Engineer

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer for a contract position in Carlisle, UK. The role involves designing hydraulic and mechanical systems for Royal Navy submarines, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have strong experience in safety-critical environments and a background in system lifecycle delivery. Additional support for relocation is available. This position offers the opportunity to lead design activities and collaborate with key stakeholders on high-profile projects.

Benefits

Relocation support packages

Qualifications

• Strong experience in complex, safety-critical environments like maritime and aerospace.
• Familiarity with design standards such as ASME and BS EN.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery from concept to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead design activities of hydraulic/mechanical systems for the Royal Navy submarines.
• Produce design documentation and safety justifications.
• Drive engineering governance through peer and design reviews.

Skills

Designing hydraulic/mechanical systems

System lifecycle delivery

Technical leadership

Safety-critical environment experience

Collaboration with suppliers

Education

Chartered engineer status or progress towards accreditation

Tools

Hydraulic power units (HPUs)

Variable frequency drives (VFDs)

Control cabinets

Pumps

Electric motors

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer (x2) – Inside IR35 – 12 months – £53.90/hr

Play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine systems, including system‑level design, technical responsibility, supplier engagement, and steering design architecture across a major submarine programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design activities of hydraulic / mechanical systems, sub‑systems, and equipment for the next generation Royal Navy submarines.
• Undertake functional design activities, modelling and analysis.
• Produce design documentation, Verification & Validation evidence, and safety justifications.
• Support specification qualification and procurement of components, working collaboratively with suppliers.
• Engage with stakeholders across the cross‑functional project team.
• Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong experience designing hydraulic/mechanical systems – ideally in complex, safety‑critical environments such as maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas, and sub‑sea.
• Familiarity with systems and equipment such as hydraulic power units (HPUs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), control cabinets, pumps, electric motors, hydraulic actuators, hydro‑static transmissions, and fluid mechanics.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery from concept through to commissioning.
• Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership.
• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation.

Desirable

• Familiarity with design standards such as ASME, BS EN, and other applicable standards.
• Previous engagement with suppliers or stakeholders on hydraulic/mechanical systems, including control logic (e.g., Variable Frequency Drive solutions).

Platform Mechanical Team

Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary engineering team to help deliver critical mechanical capability at the heart of a high‑profile programme. Collaborate closely with suppliers, systems engineers, and key stakeholders to shape high‑integrity technical solutions, support team growth, and keep projects on technical and financial course. This role grows with you in areas such as technical leadership, people leadership, or specialist technical delivery, providing flexibility to shape impact and influence the future of mechanical engineering excellence.

Relocation support packages are available across all submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

Job Information

• Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer
• Company: JAM Recruitment Ltd
• Location: Carlisle, Cumbria
• Contract Type: Contract (Full Time)
• Posted: Jan 8th 2026
• Closes: Feb 8th 2026