At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects and provide expert guidance across complex systems.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, flexible working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of naval engineering and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical engineering skills and experience with complex systems.
The predicted salary is between 40507 - 49509 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth – Hybrid working pattern – minimum 3 days weekly on site.
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 £57,000 depending on skills and experience plus bonus scheme.
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.
Role description: As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the delivery of critical platform engineering services, providing expert technical guidance, assurance and governance across a diverse range of systems. You’ll drive innovation, support future transformation, and inspire high performance through technical and people leadership across the WTA (Warship Technical Authority) Mechanical Engineering discipline.
Core duties:
- Delivering early lifecycle engineering and supporting engineering bids.
- Leading studies for design and feasibility, supported by technical analysis, to deliver compliance arguments.
- Supporting the leadership of multi-disciplinary projects.
- Providing expert mechanical engineering support across complex platform systems, equipment and associated technologies.
- Delivering engineering expertise across multiple projects, naval programmes and platform support activities.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to capture, manage and deliver platform systems requirements effectively.
- Leading investigations, assessments and integration activities to inform robust engineering decisions.
- Ensuring design integrity, configuration control and safe implementation of platform systems changes.
- Mentoring engineers, driving engineering excellence and providing leadership across the Mechanical discipline.
Essential skills:
- Strong mechanical engineering expertise across complex systems and equipment.
- Knowledge of naval platform systems across UK and international programmes.
- Understanding of defence and maritime standards for MOD customers.
- Familiarity with CSM, LCM and wider engineering governance frameworks.
- Ability to deliver high-quality engineering outputs across diverse projects.
- Effective stakeholder engagement with MOD, navies, OEMs and industry partners.
The Warship Technical Authority Service team: Join the Warship Technical Authority (WTA) Service Hub and help shape the future of naval engineering. Supporting Royal Navy and international programmes, the team work on complex whole-ship, systems and equipment challenges, delivering expert engineering, innovation and consultancy that directly contributes to the availability, performance and evolution of world-class warships.
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: 21st August 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.
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Portsmouth employer: BAE Critical Skills
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness, where you can contribute to pioneering defence and aerospace solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, lifelong learning, and a culture of inclusivity, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while being recognised for your contributions. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with tailored rewards and relocation support, all within a supportive community that values diversity and shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer in 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 Principal 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.
