Principal Engineer - Operability
Principal Engineer - Operability

Principal Engineer - Operability

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Review submarine designs to ensure safety and operability, participate in design reviews and trials.
  • Company: BAE Systems is a leading defence company committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, health perks, and potential annual incentives.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive team of ex-submariners with diverse expertise.
  • Qualifications: Experience in nuclear operations or relevant disciplines; qualifications required.
  • Other info: Relocation packages available; inclusive recruitment processes for all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Location: Barrow-In-Furness/Glasgow (Hybrid). We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Negotiable depending on skills and experience

What you'll be doing:

  • Reviewing and assessing the developing Submarine design to ensure it is safe, operable and habitable by its crew. This will be achieved through attendance at design reviews, review of the 3D CAD model, review of design documentation and participation in experimental design and user trials, provision of design guidance and sharing of SQEP knowledge.
  • Providing specialist support to safety activities e.g., HAZID, HAZOPS, ALARP Optioneering workshops.
  • Delivering expert guidance and support to Operating Documentation Production Authority in support of OPDOC derivation and verification.

Your skills and experiences:

  • Essential: Experienced in one of the following disciplines: Manoeuvring Room/Cat A Nuclear Supervisor, Reactor Panel Operator/Main Control Desk Operator. Relevant Qualifications to skills required.
  • Knowledge across any of the following disciplines: Electrical Generation & Distribution, Ship & Propulsion Systems.
  • Operational knowledge serving on the Astute (preferred) or Vanguard Class of Submarine.

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Operability team:

As a Principal Engineer, you will work alongside other Ex-Submariners with experience across the full fleet of UK SSBNs and SSNs. The team of Operability specialise in all areas with whole boat experience such as Damage Control and Submarine Escape and Rescue. We offer relocation packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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: 16th July 2025. 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.

Principal Engineer - Operability employer: BAE Systems

BAE Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Barrow-In-Furness/Glasgow where you can thrive as a Principal Engineer - Operability. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth alongside experienced ex-Submariners, you'll be part of a team that values diversity and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the field of submarine design and safety.
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Contact Detail:

BAE Systems Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Operability

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific submarine classes mentioned in the job description, particularly the Astute and Vanguard classes. Understanding their systems and operational protocols will give you an edge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees at BAE Systems, especially those in the Operability team. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your knowledge of safety activities like HAZID and HAZOPS. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safety in submarine operations.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in manoeuvring rooms or as a reactor panel operator. Highlighting relevant scenarios where you ensured operability and safety will showcase your suitability for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Operability

Expertise in Submarine Design
Operational Knowledge of Astute or Vanguard Class Submarines
Experience in Manoeuvring Room/Cat A Nuclear Supervision
Reactor Panel Operation Skills
Knowledge of Electrical Generation & Distribution Systems
Understanding of Ship & Propulsion Systems
Safety Assessment Skills (HAZID, HAZOPS)
Design Review Participation
3D CAD Modelling Proficiency
Experimental Design and User Trials Experience
Ability to Provide Design Guidance
Strong Communication Skills
Team Collaboration Skills
Adaptability to Hybrid Working Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Operability Engineer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to submarine design and safety activities.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in manoeuvring room operations, reactor panel operation, or any other applicable discipline. Emphasise your operational knowledge of Astute or Vanguard Class submarines, as this is a preferred qualification.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background and skills to the specific requirements of the role. Mention your experience with design reviews, safety activities, and any relevant qualifications that demonstrate your expertise in submarine operability.

Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is complete and accurately reflects your qualifications. Submit your application through our website to ensure it reaches the right people.

How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems

✨Understand the Role Requirements

Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the specific skills required for the Principal Engineer - Operability position. Familiarise yourself with submarine design principles, safety activities like HAZID and HAZOPS, and operational knowledge of the Astute or Vanguard Class submarines.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to be asked technical questions related to your experience in manoeuvring rooms, reactor panel operations, and ship propulsion systems. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.

✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills

Since you'll be working alongside other ex-submariners, it's important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've worked in teams, especially in high-pressure environments, and how you contributed to successful outcomes.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and the future projects they are excited about. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.

Principal Engineer - Operability
BAE Systems
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  • Principal Engineer - Operability

    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)
  • B

    BAE Systems

    50,000+
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