Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Portsmouth Naval Base working a hybrid pattern

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

Salary: Circa £54,500 dependent on experience + bonus scheme

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:

You will provide comprehensive mechanical engineering support across a wide range of platform systems, including fluid, hydraulic, HVAC, firefighting, propulsion and mechanical drive systems. Your role spans multiple programmes, ensuring design integrity, investigating system impacts, and delivering safe, well integrated engineering solutions across diverse naval platforms.

Working closely with stakeholders including MOD teams, overseas navies, OEMs and project groups to capture and guide system requirements. lead structured analysis, maintain configuration control, prepare authoritative safety evidence, and act as a primary WTA technical contact while supporting wider organisational priorities.

Core duties:

You hold broad knowledge of complex platform systems across UK and international markets

You will have a good understanding of applicable industry standards and the ability to operate effectively within CSM, LCM, and other governance and assurance frameworks

You will have the ability to apply mechanical engineering knowledge quickly and confidently to a wide range of platform and projects across multiple platform systems and sub-systems and equipment’s

You will be an experienced professional engineer at CEng level or equivalent level of capability

You can provide effective line management for a team of engineers, ensuring clear leadership, performance oversight, and professional development

The Asset Management team:

This role sits within the Warship Technical Authority (WTA) Service Hub, part of the Asset Management team within Warship Support, delivering whole ship, systems and equipment engineering expertise and change management to ensure safe, assured and high-quality support across Warship Support programmes. The Asset Management Team already supports QEC, T45, T23, HUNT, OPV and intentional navies.

As the Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will be providing technical leadership, governance, and specialist expertise across platform systems, delivering core service elements and engineering support to UK and international programmes, while managing engineers and contributing to high‑quality assurance, transformation, and consultancy activities within the WTA.

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: 30th March 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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