Principal Manufacuring Engineer – Manufacturing Systems

Job Title: Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Systems

Location: Glasgow, Govan – Onsite full time

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 £53,100

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 Manufacturing Engineer, you will act as a technical authority, supporting and mentoring manufacturing engineers in the delivery of systems that create real business value, directly contributing to the success of the Type 26 (T26) programme and future shipbuilding projects. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with colleagues across Operations, IT, and other key functions to deliver integrated digital solutions that enable world class ship manufacturing.

Acting as Test Manager for Manufacturing Execution System (MES), you will own the end-to-end test process, ensuring clear governance, and overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of all work packages.

Core duties:

• You will provide technical leadership and mentoring to manufacturing engineers, fostering capability growth across the team
• You will drive the development, integration, and utilisation of data sets from manufacturing systems to enable insight-led decision making and process optimisation
• You will drive and support the manufacturing systems requirements lifecycle, working with cross-functional teams to deliver tactical projects and MES work packages that meet stakeholder needs
• You will perform root cause analysis of manufacturing system issues and drive effective, timely resolutions to sustain operational performance
• You will champion continuous improvement in digital manufacturing capability, processes, and data governance
• You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in shaping strategy and exercising Product Owner DOA (Delegation of Authority) for manufacturing systems and related initiatives

Essential Skills:

• You will have sound engineering knowledge – demonstrable via formal qualifications and experience
• You will be experienced in Digital Systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), NC Programming, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), 2D and 3D CAD/CAM principles
• You will showcase experience leading and coordinating tasks to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timelines, this will be demonstrated through your technical leadership

The Manufacturing Engineering Systems Team:

The Manufacturing Systems Team is at the forefront of driving digital transformation within BAE Systems Naval Ships. We identify, test, and deliver innovative manufacturing systems including our flagship programme, Digital Shipbuilder that enhance efficiency and capability across our operations.

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: 9th October 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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