Principal Engineer – Mechanical – Chilled Water

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer (Chilled Water Systems)

Location: Glasgow, Portsmouth, Filton, Bristol, New Malden, Frimley, hybrid – 2 on site – this role will require international travel depend 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: Up to £57,000 depending on 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:

You will lead the design, integration, and technical assurance of chilled water systems across a complex marine platform. You will apply deep expertise in system performance, capacity assessment, and optimisation to deliver robust, compliant, and customer focused solutions throughout the shipbuilding lifecycle. This role ensures high engineering standards by driving improvements to processes, supporting technical investigations, and providing evidence-based decision making. You’ll report directly to the Engineering Manager and lead a small team of Chilled Water Engineers.

Core duties:

• Lead the effort in developing, maintaining and modifying engineering processes and procedures in assigned areas in response to technical developments and operational need.
• Carry out relatively complex technical analyses and investigations, including evaluation and selection of technical options, and prepare reports with suggested recommendations to support the resolution of problems and the improvement of engineering capability.
• Act as main point of contact with customers and/or suppliers in assigned areas on engineering matters, to resolve relatively complex problems and issues and to maintain awareness in both parties of priorities and objectives.
• Make engineering decisions within own sphere of responsibility and delegated authority.

Essential skills:

• Experience and expertise, in Chilled Water systems, Refrigeration or Auxiliary System design.
• Qualified to HND/degree level in a STEM related discipline. Applicants should be a Chartered Engineer or hold another equivalent professional registration with a relevant institution
• Experience in Supplier and Stakeholder Management.

The Team:

The Chilled Water team is a highly collaborative specialist engineering function comprising four professionals, including the Principal Engineer. This role forms part of a dynamic, multi-stakeholder global programme, offering regular engagement with internal stakeholders, partners, and suppliers across the UK, Canada, France, and the United States.

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:15th October 2026, interviews for this role will take place w/c 26th October

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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