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: 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 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 will be doing:

In this role, you’ll provide technical leadership as a subject matter expert in safety engineering. You will mentor and develop engineers, guiding safety analysis and influencing design decisions. You’ll analyse and influence nuclear submarine design using safety engineering techniques, focusing on major hazards such as fires, explosions (including DSEAR), and steam release.

You’ll apply engineering judgement to justify design safety and compliance, interface with regulators, MOD clients, and internal stakeholders, and develop and review safety case documentation to substantiate design safety.

Core duties:

• You will be degree qualified in a relevant STEM discipline or equivalent experience
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on safety engineering for complex systems
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting their growth and influencing design decisions
• Identify, assess, and mitigate hazards in complex engineering environments
• Produce clear, structured safety case arguments and supporting technical documentation
• Conduct hazard analysis using techniques such as HAZOP, FMEA, and Fault & Event Tree Analysis (desirable)
• Apply knowledge of DSEAR and fire risk assessments (desirable)
• Collaborate with highly regulated industries, including nuclear, oil and gas, maritime, or aerospace environments (desirable)

The Safety & Environmental Team:

This established team offers exposure to wider strategic initiatives, working with colleagues from principals to apprentices and liaising with operational managers, heads of departments, and Health & Safety teams. You will also have the opportunity for professional growth within the function. Relocation support packages are available for eligible submarine roles.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified BAE Systems employees who have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with higher levels of National Security Vetting often requiring 5–10 years of continuous UK residency.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, you’ll be recognised for your contributions and enjoy rewards tailored to your personal and financial wellbeing. Our supportive culture, sustainable working practices, and shared sense of purpose make this a place where you belong and can make a real difference.

Closing Date: 24th March 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.

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