At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of submarine hydraulic systems, ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced defence programmes and shape the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in hydraulic system design and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness / Coventry
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Circa £55,000 (Commensurate with skills and 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.
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.
Job Description:
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine hydraulic and actuation systems. This includes system-level design, technical leadership and the opportunity to steer design architecture across a major submarine programme.
Core duties:
- Provide technical leadership, owning design solutions and providing guidance to others.
- Lead the technical assurance of the hydraulic systems, sub-systems and equipment for the next generation Royal Navy submarines.
- Verify calculations are complete, checked by the appropriate SQEP and validate calculation meet technical intent.
- Support the team in tackling technical challenges, providing support and advice to ensure adequate technical solutions.
- 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.
Essential Skills:
- 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).
- Familiarity with systems and equipment involving; hydraulic power units (HPUs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), control cabinets, pumps, electric motors, hydraulic actuators, hydro-static transmissions and fluid mechanics.
- Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery – from concept through to commissioning.
- Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership.
- Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation.
The Platform Mechanical Team:
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. This role offers the chance to contribute directly to one of the UK’s most advanced defence programmes. Relocation support may be available for submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.
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: 31st May 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.
Lead Mechanical Engineer - Hydraulics employer: BAE Critical Skills
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness and Coventry, where you can contribute to cutting-edge defence technology while enjoying flexible working arrangements. With a strong commitment to employee growth, lifelong learning, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you'll find meaningful opportunities to advance your career and make a significant impact on national security. Join us and be part of a supportive team that recognises your contributions and prioritises your well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer - Hydraulics
✨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 - Hydraulics
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 - Hydraulics 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.
