At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of submarine hydraulic systems and ensure technical assurance.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and engineering innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, financial support, and a focus on personal wellbeing.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth and relocation support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical engineering role for the Royal Navy submarines.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in hydraulic system design and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
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.
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine hydraulic and actuation systems. You will lead the technical assurance of the hydraulic systems, sub-systems and equipment for the next generation Royal Navy submarines.
- Co-ordinate programmatic initiatives, leading additional work packages which fall outside normal system scope.
- Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews, identifying and addressing shortfalls in documentation or process.
- Strong experience in the design of hydraulic systems – ideally in complex, safety-critical environments (e.g. maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas and sub-sea).
- Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery – from concept through to commissioning.
- Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the SSN-AUKUS Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team as a Lead Mechanical Engineer – Hydraulics, acting as a technical specialist for critical compressible and incompressible fluid systems essential to submarine operations. You will take ownership of high-integrity mechanical designs in one of the most demanding engineering environments, working across multidisciplinary teams to develop complex system solutions, influence platform-level decisions and ensure designs meet strict safety, performance and environmental standards. Relocation support may be available for submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.
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.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead mechanical engineer.
✨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 Lead mechanical engineer.
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 Lead mechanical engineer. 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.
