Senior/Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering (HVAC/LEV)

Senior/Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering (HVAC/LEV)

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical design for HVAC and LEV systems, ensuring compliance and safety.
  • Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, relocation support, and lifelong learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong career growth and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced technology solutions that shape a safer future.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Building Services Engineering or related field; experience in HVAC/LEV systems.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness – Hybrid, 3 days per week onsite with ad hoc factory visits.

Salary: £47,241 + 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:

As a member of the Site Specialist Engineering (SSE) team, you will be responsible for leading the definition of mechanical design requirements for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) and/or LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) site developments, utilising knowledge and experience as a key stakeholder in collaboration with end users and project teams. You will also be reviewing mechanical design proposals and specifications for both new facility developments and the refurbishment of existing installations to ensure compliance with current legislation, regulations and site standards.

Core duties:

  • You will provide guidance and technical recommendations to the wider business for HVAC/LEV services.
  • You will conduct visual assessments of on-site equipment and provide technical guidance.
  • You will coordinate with stakeholders such as Engineering Authorities, on-site Occupational Hygienists and DSEAR engineers to assess operations on site and ensure LEV systems are safe, legal and compliant, in accordance with relevant regulations.
  • You will prepare technical reports and documentation to support new HVAC and LEV installations on site.
  • You will develop and maintain site engineering standards for HVAC and LEV systems as required.
  • You will support and lead junior engineers.

Essential Skills:

  • You will bring a proven background in the design, installation, commissioning or maintenance of HVAC and/or LEV systems.
  • You will have an understanding of the principles of ventilation and cooling/heating design.
  • You will be experienced in developing or interpreting design proposals and technical documentation for HVAC and/or LEV systems.
  • You will be familiar with relevant HVAC and/or LEV standards and legislation.
  • You will have degree level education, preferably in Building Services Engineering or a closely related discipline.

The Site Specialist Engineering (SSE) Team:

Joining a multi-disciplinary engineering team comprising Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel in Electrical, Mechanical and Civil/Structural disciplines. The SSE set site engineering standards and requirements for equipment/systems/facilities in accordance with legislation and processes, operating as part of the wider Barrow-in-Furness Site and Facilities team. You will provide SME knowledge in a number of disciplines, including HVAC & LEV.

We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting 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: 1st June 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.

Senior/Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering (HVAC/LEV) employer: BAE Critical Skills

At BAE Systems, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness where innovation meets purpose. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through lifelong learning opportunities and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance, you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to cutting-edge defence and aerospace solutions.

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Contact Details:

BAE Critical Skills Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering (HVAC/LEV)

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 Senior/Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering (HVAC/LEV)

Mechanical Design Requirements
HVAC Systems Design
LEV Systems Design
Technical Documentation
Regulatory Compliance
Visual Assessments
Stakeholder Coordination

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 Senior/Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering (HVAC/LEV) 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.