Principal Naval Architect

Job Title: Principal Naval Architect

Location: Portsmouth Broad Oak – minimum 3 days weekly site based

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

Salary: Up £57,100 dependent on skills & experience + bonus scheme

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.

What you’ll be doing:

You will apply engineering expertise and specialist knowledge of the boats sector to develop, review and deliver designs, specifications and technical solutions. You will resolve complex engineering challenges, produce technical reports and presentations, collaborate with stakeholders, and build strong working relationships while working independently or as part of a team to meet customer and business needs.

Core duties:

• Applying broad engineering knowledge, company standards, and governance to deliver effective solutions
• Supporting design assurance activities, providing robust evidence for safety case acceptance
• Defining and overseeing qualification hold points during build, testing, and commissioning
• Identifying lifecycle issues, manage design changes, and support successful implementation
• Engaging internal and external stakeholders, ensuring requirements are understood and addressed
• Monitoring programme progress, conduct reviews and audits, and support UK/international travel as required

Essential skills:

• Degree-qualified Naval Architect/Marine Engineer with broad engineering expertise and industry experience
• Proficient in Siemens NX, Maxsurf, Teamcentre, AutoCAD, and related design tools
• Ability to produce high-quality drawings, calculations, reports, and technical documentation with minimal supervision
• Experienced in boat design, composite and aluminium construction, repair methods, and analysis
• Applies sound engineering judgement, including finite element analysis, to solve complex problems.
• Collaborative leader with a passion for marine platforms, committed to learning and developing others

The Future Products team:

You will be joining a team responsible for developing the future of maritime capability, working on some of the most exciting opportunities in our portfolio. Starting with the Littoral Strike Craft bid, you will help shape innovative solutions from concept definition through to programme delivery. As our Future Products portfolio expands, you will support the development of new maritime platforms and technologies, playing a central role in bringing future capabilities from idea to reality.

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: 11th November 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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