Principal Engineer – Safety & Environmental Engineering

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Safety Engineer

Location: Barrow-In-Furness, Hybrid

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

Salary: Negotiable depending on 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 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:

In this role, you’ll provide technical leadership as a subject matter expert in safety engineering. You’ll guide and mentor engineers, influencing design decisions and supporting the development of robust safety cases for complex nuclear submarine systems.

You will analyse and assess major hazards including fires, explosions (including DSEAR), and steam release, applying structured safety engineering techniques to ensure compliance and design integrity. You’ll also engage with regulators, MOD stakeholders, and internal teams to justify safety decisions and maintain high standards of assurance across the programme.

Core duties:

• Provide technical leadership and expert guidance in safety engineering for complex systems
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting capability growth and influencing engineering decisions
• Identify, assess, and mitigate hazards across nuclear submarine systems and related environments
• Develop, review, and maintain safety case documentation and structured safety arguments
• Apply hazard analysis techniques such as HAZOP, FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, and Event Tree Analysis (desirable)
• Apply knowledge of DSEAR, fire risk assessment, and major hazard safety principles (desirable)
• Interface with regulators, MOD customers, and internal engineering and safety stakeholders
• Support safety justification through clear engineering judgement and structured evidence

Essential Skills:

• Degree qualified in a STEM discipline or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of safety engineering principles and practices
• Experience producing or contributing to safety case documentation in complex engineering environments
• Ability to apply structured hazard analysis techniques and engineering judgement
• Excellent communication skills for technical and stakeholder engagement

The Safety & Environmental Team:

This established and collaborative team provides exposure to a wide range of strategic and technical safety activities. You’ll work alongside engineers from graduate to principal level, engaging with operational managers, department heads, and Health & Safety professionals.

The role offers strong opportunities for professional development within a highly regulated engineering environment, with exposure to submarine programme safety challenges and broader defence safety initiatives. Relocation support packages are available for eligible roles.

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: 28th April 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.

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