SMERAS Systems Engineer

Gold Group; Barrow-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence manufacturer in Barrow-in-Furness is seeking an experienced SMERAS Systems Engineer for a permanent position. The role involves designing firefighting and rescue systems for Royal Navy submarines and requires experience in high-pressure systems, leadership skills, and a relevant degree. This position offers a salary of £45,000 – £60,000 per annum and mostly remote work with occasional office visits. Candidates must be sole UK Nationals to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing fixed firefighting systems in safety-critical environments.
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery from concept to commissioning.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical direction or project ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design of SMERAS systems and equipment for Royal Navy submarines.
• Produce design documentation and safety justifications.
• Support procurement of components and engage with stakeholders.

Skills

Systems design

Functional design activities

Stakeholder engagement

High-pressure systems knowledge

Leadership

Education

Degree or equivalent Level 6 Qualification in STEM

Job description

Job Title: SMERAS Systems Engineer
Location: Mostly Remote – 2 days every 2 weeks in Barrow-in-Furness
Role Type: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 – £60,000 per annum depending on experience

Our client, an established defence manufacturing firm in Barrow‑in‑Furness, requires an experienced SMERAS Systems Engineer to join their multi‑disciplined team.

This role could be suitable for Royal Navy Submarine Service leavers with TX in the next 3–6 months who have previous experience with Firefighting / SMERAS from their time in the service (e.g., Faslane facility training).

Please note we can only consider sole UK Nationals (no dual nationalities).

What the role of the SMERAS Systems Engineer entails:

• Design of Firefighting, and/or Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment, and Survival (SMERAS) 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
• Engaging with stakeholders across the cross‑functional project team
• Driving engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews

What experience you need to be the successful SMERAS Systems Engineer:

Essential

• Degree or equivalent Level 6 Qualification (ideally within a STEM subject).
• Experience in the design of fixed firefighting systems – ideally in complex, safety‑critical environments such as maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas, and sub‑sea.
• Familiarity with systems and equipment involving firefighting hose reels/nozzles, pumps, water mist systems, Aqueous Film Forming Foam, etc.
• Experience in high‑pressure systems, or life‑support technologies
• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery – from concept through to commissioning
• Demonstrated leadership – either through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership
• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation

Desirable

• Knowledge of platform‑level constraints such as noise, shock, or survivability
• Previous experience with Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment, and Survival (SMERAS) systems, hyperbaric chambers, sub‑sea pressure environments

This really is a fantastic opportunity for a SMERAS Systems Engineer to progress their career. If you are interested please apply as soon as possible as this position will be filled quickly so don't miss out!