Commissioning Manager – Reactor

Job Title: Commissioning Manager – Reactor

Location: Barrow-In-Furness, Onsite

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, 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:

As a Commissioning Manager – Reactor, you will lead and manage the complex delivery of Test & Commissioning activities within your area, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, compliantly and to agreed cost, quality and schedule requirements.

You will provide strong technical and operational leadership across the commissioning team, working with internal and external stakeholders to support the successful delivery of individual boat contracts and ensure all activities are completed in line with the Operational Framework and relevant Test & Commissioning policies.

Core duties:

• Lead, manage, coordinate and supervise Test & Commissioning activities, ensuring products are safely integrated, fully compliant, tested and commissioned against agreed requirements
• Plan, monitor and control commissioning activities to ensure delivery against agreed contracts, schedules, specifications, cost, quality and programme milestones
• Ensure all commissioning activities comply with the Operational Framework, Test & Commissioning policies, nuclear site authorisation requirements and applicable regulatory standards
• Participate in the Reactor Test Group (Authorisation Group), including the preparation, review and evaluation of associated documentation, and act as Nuclear Authorisation & Test Evaluation Committee Chairman when required
• Lead, develop and support the commissioning team, ensuring individuals are appropriately assessed, skilled and developed to maximise performance and meet programme requirements
• Optimise the use of Test & Commissioning resources, developing team capability and improving performance, efficiency and flexibility across the function
• Review and improve processes and procedures within the area of responsibility, identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and establish a dynamic, best-in-class commissioning capability

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrable experience in Nuclear/Reactor Systems and/or Propulsion Systems Testing & Commissioning, preferably within a submarine environment, with the capability to hold Duly Authorised Person appointment for nuclear hold-points
• Strong experience managing complex commissioning teams and controlling delivery against agreed boat test and commissioning plans, contracts, schedules and specifications
• Sound understanding of Nuclear Site Authorisation/Conditions and/or COMAH requirements, with a strong commitment to nuclear safety, compliance and regulatory standards
• Experienced people manager with the ability to provide clear direction, develop team capability and optimise individual and team performance
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex engineering processes and technical issues effectively across multiple disciplines and levels of the business
• Typically an Incorporated Engineer working towards Chartership and a member of the relevant professional institute, with ILM Level 2/3 or CMI Level 3/5 and an MBA, MSc, Engineering degree or equivalent experience

The Nuclear (Reactor) Commissioning Team:

As the Commissioning Manager – Reactor, you will join the Nuclear Reactor Commissioning Team and oversee complex Test & Commissioning activities currently underway across the programme. Responsible for individual boat contracts, you will interface with internal and external stakeholders and provide experienced leadership to ensure safe, compliant and effective delivery. This role offers the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most strategically important submarine programmes, leading highly skilled teams within a technically complex and safety-critical environment. We offer relocation support across Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and encourage discussion of reasonable adjustments where needed.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, including 5–10 years continuous UK residency depending on the role.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Lifelong learning, meaningful work, and a supportive culture enable you to grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and supported with rewards that matter most to you.

Closing Date: 11th September 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, please apply as early as possible.

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