At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop mechanical systems for advanced defence solutions.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in technology-led defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Up to £42,000 salary, hybrid working, and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with diverse teams and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global security while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with AutoCAD/Inventor and knowledge of mechanical systems required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with BAE Critical Skills to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Location: Portsmouth Naval Base – Hybrid
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Up to £42,000 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 the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
Job Description:
In this role, you will undertake a defined range of detail design activities in line with all relevant processes and quality requirements, supplying advice and support to operations and other functions. This will be achieved by ensuring defined objectives are achieved whilst continually maintaining quality and service requirement.
Core duties:
- You will conduct on board ship trials and surveys and communicate with other departments, Design Services disciplines, customers and suppliers.
- You will carry out technical investigations into operational problems or developments, develop, and prepare solutions, individually or as a member of a team.
- You will support the development of best practice to increase the capability, performance of tools and processes.
- You will produce technical drawing guidance packages, detail parts lists and inventories through AutoCAD / Inventor design.
- You will represent the Mechanical / Piping team at various project design reviews for the task you are working on or supporting other colleagues on other platform tasking.
- You will use various internal and external customer driven databases to source information.
Essential Skills:
- You will have AutoCAD / Inventor (i.e. 2D/3D, AutoDesk, Foran) design experience, showcasing this through producing detailed manufacturing & assembly drawings.
- You will understand detailed system and technical engineering drawings including manufacturing drawings with knowledge of projection layouts, scaling & tolerancing. This will include knowledge of ship system engineering drawings i.e., P&ID's, diagrammatics and piping isometrics and also ship systems materials and equipment (symbols).
- You will have knowledge of maritime warship / commercial systems i.e. fluid based systems, Mechanical systems. Able to perform, at least, basic pressure loss and flow calculations, with a view to sizing pipework in designs.
- You will be familiar with Mechanical manufacturing processes.
- You will have an understanding of Mechanical ship systems (build or in service), including experience in RN surface ship standards and governance.
The Design Services Team:
Design Services are the BAE Systems Maritime 'in service' technical support cell located within Portsmouth Naval Base. We employ approx. 180 personnel across all disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical & Combat Systems (ECS), Structures / Outfit (S&O) and HVAC to create modification design packages and reports for installation and integration on legacy warships. Along with our Safety section, and Naval Architects, we are a broad mix of varying engineering & educational backgrounds and experience.
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: 15th July 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.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer - Mechanical Systems in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like BAE Critical Skills.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like BAE Critical Skills love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of BAE Critical Skills and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer - Mechanical Systems in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for BAE Critical Skills and the Mechanical Design Engineer - Mechanical Systems role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Critical Skills
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at BAE Critical Skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at BAE Critical Skills.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with BAE Critical Skills, making you a more appealing candidate.