At a Glance
- Tasks: Review submarine designs to ensure safety and operability for the crew.
- Company: BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace with a diverse culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, health plans, shopping discounts, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a team of experts making a real impact on submarine operability.
- Qualifications: Experience in nuclear operations or relevant engineering disciplines required.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career growth and relocation packages available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Operability Engineer
Location: Barrow-In-Furness/Glasgow (Hybrid). We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Negotiable depending on skills and experience
What you’ll be doing:
- Reviewing and assessing the developing Submarine design to ensure it is safe, operable and habitable by its crew. This will be achieved through attendance at design reviews, review of the 3D CAD model review of design documentation and participation in experimental design and user trials, provision of design guidance and sharing of SQEP knowledge
- Providing specialist support to safety activities e.g., HAZID, HAZOPS, ALARP Optioneering workshops
- Delivering specialist guidance and support to Operating Documentation Production Authority in support of OPDOC derivation and verification
Your skills and experiences:
- Experienced in one of the following disciplines: Manoeuvring Room/Cat A Nuclear Supervisor, Reactor Panel Operator/Main Control Desk Operator. Relevant Qualifications to skills required
- Knowledge across any of the following disciplines: Electrical Generation & Distribution, Ship & Propulsion Systems
- Operational knowledge serving on the Astute (preferred) or Vanguard Class of Submarine
Benefits:
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Operability team:
As a Principal Engineer, You will work alongside other Ex-Submariners with experience across the full fleet of UK SSBNs and SSNs. The team of Operability specialise in all areas with whole boat experience such as Damage Control and Submarine Escape and Rescue. We offer relocation packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
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 24th October 2025
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.
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Principal Engineer – Operability employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Operability
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with submarines or BAE Systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of submarine operability. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to safety activities and design reviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your unique experiences! If you've served on Astute or Vanguard Class submarines, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Your hands-on knowledge is invaluable and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BAE Systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Operability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer – Operability role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in submarine design and safety activities. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your skills in areas like Electrical Generation & Distribution or Ship & Propulsion Systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and how it applies to our team.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The closing date is 9th October 2025, but we might close early if we get enough applications. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Know Your Submarine Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Astute or Vanguard Class submarines. Be ready to discuss specific systems like Electrical Generation & Distribution or Ship & Propulsion Systems, as this will show your expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Familiarise yourself with the design review process and be prepared to discuss how you would assess submarine designs for safety and operability. Think about examples from your past experience where you contributed to similar reviews.
✨Showcase Your Safety Knowledge
Since the role involves supporting safety activities like HAZID and HAZOPS, come prepared with examples of how you've contributed to safety in previous roles. This could include any relevant training or certifications you hold.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in teams, especially with ex-Submariners or in multidisciplinary environments. Discuss how you can contribute to the Operability team’s goals and share your insights on fostering an inclusive culture.