Principal Engineer – Site Engineering Authority

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Engineer – Site Engineering Authority

Location: Barrow-in-Furness – 3-4 days per week on site

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

Salary: Circa £55,000

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 Principal Engineer and Site Engineering Authority, you will have responsibility for maintaining the engineering integrity of assigned assets, ensuring robust oversight, validation, and lifecycle management of systems critical to submarine programmes. You will lead the approval of, and be accountable for, modifications to both nuclear and non‑nuclear facilities, applying sound judgement across multiple engineering disciplines. Your ability to interpret complex technical issues, understand their wider implications, and balance Nuclear, Radiological, and Conventional Safety requirements with regulatory compliance will be essential in safeguarding the performance and reliability of key infrastructure.

Core duties:

• Chair design reviews for major projects within the nuclear site boundary
• Taking accountability for accepting handover of new projects/buildings & infrastructure
• Engaging with ONR requirements with regards to the management of site license conditions within the DDC
• Producing engineering requirements, accept designs, and manage configuration and asset change control
• Developing and controlling maintenance schedules, approving concessions and ensuring through-life asset performance
• Providing engineering advice during equipment breakdowns and recovery activities

Essential Skills:

• Degree in Engineering/Science or equivalent practical experience
• Experience in Asset Management and Facilities Management
• Ability to interpret complex technical data and provide clear guidance to stakeholders
• Experience supporting engineering projects in highly regulated environments
• Proven experience in line management, mentoring, and developing team members

The Site, Infrastructure and Facilities Team:

You will join a critical function ensuring safe, compliant, and operational physical estates and infrastructure, supporting current and future submarine programmes, with opportunities for career growth and exposure to varied technical projects. 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: 14th April 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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