Principal Engineer - Product Safety (Bristol)

hackajob is collaborating with BAE Critical Skills to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Filton or Broad Oak – 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 experience.

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.

What you will be doing: In this role, you’ll take a leading position in developing and managing Product Safety across complex engineering projects. You will work within a Systems Engineering framework to ensure safety is embedded throughout the project lifecycle, influencing design, build, and delivery decisions. You’ll lead hazard identification and risk assessment activities, support the development of robust Safety Cases, and provide guidance to both senior stakeholders and junior team members. You will play a key role in ensuring safety standards are met, risks are effectively managed, and safety justifications are clear, evidence-based, and compliant.

Core duties:

• Develop, implement and maintain the Project Safety Management System
• Produce and manage Safety Management Plans and Justification Plans
• Lead hazard identification and risk assessment activities (e.g. FMEA, HAZOP, FTA, STPA)
• Support the development and delivery of Safety Cases across the project lifecycle
• Conduct peer reviews, verification, and assurance of safety documentation
• Provide oversight and guidance to junior team members
• Interpret technical data and translate it into clear, robust safety arguments
• Engage with stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and project teams

Essential skills:

• STEM degree or equivalent qualification
• Experience with safety analysis techniques (e.g. FMEA, HAZOP, FTA)
• Experience developing Safety Cases and supporting documentation
• Experience working within a Project Safety Management System
• Understanding of Systems Engineering standards in a safety context

The Safety & Environmental Team: The team plays a critical role in ensuring product safety across major programmes. As a Principal Engineer, you will lead the development and maintenance of Safety Management Systems and Safety Cases, while supporting the SSNA programme. You will also help resolve complex cross-disciplinary challenges and guide others in delivering high-quality safety outcomes.

A place where everyone can thrive: We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. 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 achieve at least Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with some roles requiring higher levels of National Security Vetting.

Why BAE Systems? Here you’ll build a career with purpose and real impact. With opportunities for lifelong learning and meaningful work, you’ll be supported to grow and succeed. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and benefit from a range of rewards supporting your financial, personal, and professional wellbeing.

Closing Date: 3rd April 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, please submit your application as early as possible.