Principal Engineer – Naval Architecture

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Engineer – Naval Architecture

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Frimley, Filton or Portsmouth

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

Salary: Circa £50,00 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.

Job Description:

As a Principal engineer within CFD and naval architecture, you will support multiple submarine programmes across production, build and the full design cycle. You will lead and undertake CFD analysis to assess whole-boat and system-level performance, including external flow, resistance, powering, and hydrodynamic behaviour. You will validate modelling approaches, develop in-house capabilities, and contribute to technical reporting. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, you will also support and guide junior engineers while contributing to the delivery of innovative submarine solutions.

Core duties:

• You will be conducting CFD analysis and evaluation of submarine platforms from concept to in-service support
• You will be validating CFD predictions of submarine performance using computational methods and physical model testing
• You will be undertaking technical work across all aspects of CFD simulations and reporting
• You will be developing in-house modelling capability, processes and toolsets for high-performance computing
• You will be providing guidance and support to junior team members’ technical and professional growth
• You will be working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including naval architects, systems teams, manoeuvring and control teams, customers and suppliers to deliver solutions

Essential Skills:

• You are required to have in-depth knowledge and proven experience of at least one CFD modelling software package such as Star-CCM+, Ansys Fluent/CFX or Open FOAM
• You will need to have gained experience in the use of various CFD techniques to model complex fluid dynamics problems
• You will hold a strong understanding of fluid dynamic principles and methods
• You will be required to have gained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical, Mathematics, Physics, Naval Architecture

The External Fluid Dynamics team

By joining the team, you will support multiple submarine programs across production, build and the entire design cycle. You will support CFD modelling analysing system levels or whole boat performance including external flow, powering, resistance, signature performance, optimisation, multiphase, waves or motion. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting 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: 5th May 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.

#LI-CB1

#LI-hybrid