Principal Engineer – Mechanical Engineering (Pressurised Air & Gas)

Job Title: Principal Engineer – Mechanical Engineering (Pressurised Air & Gas)

Location: Barrow-In-Furness / Coventry (Hybrid options for both sites dependent on business needs)

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £52000 (Commensurate with skills and experience)

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

As a Principal Engineer – Mechanical Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine pressurised Air and Gas systems. This includes system-level design, supplier engagement, and the opportunity to steer design architecture across a major submarine programme. Depending on your skills and aspirations, there is flexibility to shape the role toward:

• Technical leadership – owning design solutions and providing guidance to others

• People leadership – managing small teams and supporting engineer development

• Specialist technical delivery – focusing deeply on pressurised air and gas analysis, performance, and integration

Core duties:

• Lead the design of pressurised air and gas 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.

• Taking ownership of deliverables and accountability against the plan and milestones.

• Guide and support other team members utilising experience.

Essential Skills:

• Strong experience in the design of pressurised air and gas systems– ideally in complex, safety-critical environments (e.g. maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas)

• Familiarity with systems and equipment involving compressed air systems, compressors, pressure vessels and pressure reducers

• Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery – from concept through to commissioning

• Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation

• Degree qualified or HND with extensive experience in pressurised air and gas systems

The Platform Mechanical Team

This is an exciting opportunity to join the SSN-AUKUS Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, acting as a technical specialist for pressurised air and gas systems essential to submarine operations. You will take ownership of high-integrity mechanical designs in one of the most demanding engineering environments, working across multidisciplinary teams to develop complex system solutions, influence platform-level decisions and ensure designs meet strict safety, performance and environmental standards. This role offers the chance to contribute directly to one of the UK’s most advanced defence programmes. Relocation support may be available for submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

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: 19th October 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.

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