Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements—let's discuss the options that suit you best!

Salary: Circa £55,000

As a Lead Principal Engineer within the SSNA Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team (IDT), you will be at the forefront of a complex and fast-paced submarine programme. This is your chance to take ownership of multiple systems, provide technical assurance, and collaborate across disciplines to drive impactful delivery.

• Lead the delivery of engineering scope, ensuring quality and timely outputs across design, integration, and qualification.
• Oversee technical ownership of several mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with system requirements and effective collaboration across interface areas.
• Produce engineering artifacts, including documentation and calculations, while performing simulation and analysis.
• Manage task allocation and progress tracking through structured tools (Jira/Confluence), aligning with programme milestones, costs, and schedules.
• Coach and support engineers at all levels—from graduates to seasoned professionals—to enhance their technical capabilities and confidence.
• Work closely with peers, suppliers, and stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain delivery momentum.
• Review technical documentation, support hazard assessments, and manage change control with sound engineering judgment.
• Proactively identify and address shortfalls in delivery, documentation, or processes, fostering a culture of openness, improvement, and accountability.

We’re looking for a confident leader who can mentor others and contribute to a collaborative delivery culture. You should have:

• A proven track record in delivering complex mechanical or multi-disciplinary engineering tasks in a regulated environment.
• Experience mentoring or coaching engineers to support their technical and professional growth.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to lead discussions, challenge constructively, and build strong relationships.
• The ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, project, safety, ILS, and supply chain functions.
• Familiarity with task and documentation management tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Working toward or already professionally registered (CEng strongly preferred).
• A STEM-related degree (or equivalent experience) with strong foundations in systems thinking and platform-level integration.

In addition to a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems provides:

• Employee share plans.
• An extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme and private health plans.
• Shopping discounts and potential eligibility for an annual incentive.

Join a dynamic, collaborative engineering group at the forefront of submarine platform development. Our team unites engineers from various disciplines and career levels to deliver critical mechanical capabilities. You’ll engage closely with suppliers, systems engineers, and programme stakeholders, playing a central role in shaping high-integrity technical solutions and ensuring alignment with the wider programme plan and budget. We have multiple roles available across disciplines such as Air Purification & Atmosphere Monitoring, Trim & Compensation, Hydraulics, Air Movement & HVAC, and Cooling. Relocation support packages are available for eligible candidates.

This is your opportunity to make a real difference in an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and rewards integrity and merit. We empower you to fulfill your potential and welcome individuals from all backgrounds. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessments, we encourage you to discuss potential reasonable adjustments with your recruiter.

Important Note: Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors such as nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth may affect your eligibility for certain roles. All applicants must meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with many roles requiring higher levels of National Security Vetting.

Closing Date: 3rd March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!