Principal Radiation Physicist

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Radiation Physicist

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. The role will require a minimum of 3 days site attendance weekly

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 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 Radiation Physicist, you will be focused on leading radiation physics and shielding work across major defence programmes, supporting the UK’s nuclear submarine contribution. The position involves supervising and delivering assessments and experiments that underpin system qualification, while contributing to design optimisation and performance improvements.

What you’ll be doing:

• You will be responsible for supervising and conducting assessments and experiments to support with system qualification
• You will play a key part in contributing to ongoing design optimisation
• You will be producing and reviewing radiological safety justifications for proposed design solutions
• You will be responsible for directing the development of in-house toolsets to meet departmental goals
• You will support with detailed shielding designs whilst balancing build constraints with system performance requirements

Core duties:

• You are required to hold a relevant STEM degree in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or Nuclear Engineering
• You will need to have gained demonstrable experience of using radiation transport codes such as MCNP, MCBEND, or Attilla
• You will need a good understanding of radiation physics and its practical application
• You require experience within radiation safety studies and behaviours
• You will need to have gained experience in radiation metrology and possess knowledge of the ALARP principle

The Radiation Physics and Shielding Team:

Our team designs and validates radiation shielding for the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet across three major programmes. We handle shield design, build assessments, metrology, and safety studies, while developing novel detectors and electronics capability. 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: 12th June 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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