Join BAE Systems as a Commissioning Manager – Nuclear in Barrow-In-Furness on a full-time, onsite basis. You will lead complex Test & Commissioning activities for submarine programmes, ensuring safety, compliance, and schedule delivery in a high-consequence environment.
Requirements
Demonstrable experience in Nuclear/Reactor Systems and/or Propulsion Systems Testing & Commissioning.
Strong experience managing complex commissioning teams and delivery plans.
Sound understanding of Nuclear Site Authorisation/Conditions and/or COMAH requirements.
Typically hold an engineering degree, MBA, MSc, or equivalent experience, and be working towards Chartership.
Must meet security clearance requirements, including UK residency criteria.
Skills & Responsibilities
Nuclear Systems Testing: Oversee safe integration, testing, and commissioning of reactor and propulsion systems against strict regulatory standards.
Team Leadership: Manage, develop, and mentor commissioning personnel to optimize performance and resource utilization.
Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines and external bodies to ensure successful boat contract delivery.
Process Improvement: Review and refine operational procedures to eliminate waste and establish a best-in-class commissioning capability.
Potential transition routes: People from senior engineering or project management roles in safety-critical sectors may bring valuable transferable skills, alongside meeting mandatory nuclear testing experience and security clearance requirements.
Job description
Job Title: Commissioning Manager – Nuclear
Location: Barrow-In-Furness, Onsite
Salary: Competitive
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 advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, 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 will be doing:
As a Commissioning Manager – Nuclear, you will lead and manage the complex delivery of Test & Commissioning activities within your area, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, compliantly and to agreed cost, quality and schedule requirements.
You will provide strong technical and operational leadership across the commissioning team, working with internal and external stakeholders to support the successful delivery of individual boat contracts and ensure all activities are completed in line with the Operational Framework and relevant Test & Commissioning policies.
Core duties:
Lead, manage, coordinate and supervise Test & Commissioning activities, ensuring products are safely integrated, fully compliant, tested and commissioned against agreed requirements
Plan, monitor and control commissioning activities to ensure delivery against agreed contracts, schedules, specifications, cost, quality and programme milestones
Ensure all commissioning activities comply with the Operational Framework, Test & Commissioning policies, nuclear site authorisation requirements and applicable regulatory standards
Participate in a Nuclear Propulsion Test Group (Authorisation Group), including the preparation, review and evaluation of associated documentation, and act as Nuclear Authorisation & Test Evaluation Committee Chairman when required
Lead, develop and support the commissioning team, ensuring individuals are appropriately assessed, skilled and developed to maximise performance and meet programme requirements
Optimise the use of Test & Commissioning resources, developing team capability and improving performance, efficiency and flexibility across the function
Review and improve processes and procedures within the area of responsibility, identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and establish a dynamic, best-in-class commissioning capability
Essential Skills:
Demonstrable experience in Nuclear/Reactor Systems and/or Propulsion Systems Testing & Commissioning, with the capability to hold Duly Authorised Person appointment for nuclear hold-points
Strong experience managing complex commissioning teams and controlling delivery against agreed boat test and commissioning plans, contracts, schedules and specifications
Sound understanding of Nuclear Site Authorisation/Conditions and/or COMAH requirements, with a strong commitment to nuclear safety, compliance and regulatory standards
Experienced people manager with the ability to provide clear direction, develop team capability and optimise individual and team performance
Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex engineering processes and technical issues effectively across multiple disciplines and levels of the business
Typically an Incorporated Engineer working towards Chartership and a member of the relevant professional institute, with ILM Level 2/3 or CMI Level 3/5 and an MBA, MSc, Engineering degree or equivalent experience
The Nuclear Commissioning Team:
As the Commissioning Manager – Nuclear, you will join the Nuclear Test & Commissioning Team and oversee complex Test & Commissioning activities currently underway across the programme. Responsible for individual boat contracts, you will interface with internal and external stakeholders and provide experienced leadership to ensure safe, compliant and effective delivery. This role offers the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most strategically important submarine programmes, leading highly skilled teams within a technically complex and safety-critical environment. We offer relocation support across Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and encourage discussion of reasonable adjustments where needed.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, including 5–10 years continuous UK residency depending on the role.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Lifelong learning, meaningful work, and a supportive culture enable you to grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and supported with rewards that matter most to you.
Closing Date: 3rd November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, please apply as early as possible.
