At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage technical documentation for UK Submarines, ensuring safety and accuracy.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and employee share plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Royal Navy Submarines and strong technical documentation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career progression and relocation support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Engineer – Operating Documentation
Location: Barrow-In-Furness or Filton. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Competitive
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing input and support to the Technical Documentation Manager to aid in the production and management of Operating Documentation and Damage Control Documentation
- Constructing procedural documents for all classes of UK Submarines, both in-service and future platforms
- Producing manuals for the safe operation of all systems and equipment, including hotel services, weapons, combat systems, propulsion systems and command guidance
- Providing technical Verification and Validation of all forms of Operating Documentation and Damage Control Documentation
- Working alongside other Support Engineering teams to provide support and interpretation of Technical Information from external suppliers and the Interactive Electronic Technical Publication (IETP)
- Interpreting technical data including (but not limited to) drawings, manufacturers handbooks and design safety justifications for the production of Operating Documentation and Damage Control Documentation
Your skills and experiences:
Essential:
- Experience of working on or with Royal Navy Submarines, particularly as part of the Ship Control or Tactical Picture Organisations
- Ability to work with multiple and varied sources of information to create technical documentation to a defined specification
- Experience in interpreting various sources of design, engineering, procedural and OEM information to produce viable Operating Information
Desirable:
- HNC / HND / equivalent or higher in an engineering discipline
- Experience of working in a Technical Publications or similar environment
- Competent with Microsoft products to a level applicable to the role, especially Word, Access and Excel
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 Technical Publications team:
Join a dynamic and growing department where your expertise in technical documentation will play a crucial role in long-term, high-impact projects. As Principal Engineer, you’ll be part of a collaborative team of 10 skilled Technical Authors, working on innovative engineering initiatives that shape the future.
This role offers a structured training and development plan, ensuring that you gain the skills and experience needed for career progression, making you an integral part of our succession plan. We actively support further education within engineering disciplines, helping you expand your technical expertise and leadership potential.
Beyond authoring documentation, you’ll have the critical responsibility of verifying technical accuracy, ensuring precision and reliability in every detail. We offer relocation support 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: 27th 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 – Operating Documentation employer: BAE Systems .
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems . Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Operating Documentation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work at BAE Systems or have experience with submarines. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with operating documentation and how it relates to the role. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects, especially those related to technical documentation. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, so keep an eye out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Operating Documentation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant experience with Royal Navy Submarines or technical documentation to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves producing technical documentation, be sure to mention your proficiency with Microsoft products like Word, Access, and Excel. We want to see how you can leverage these tools in your work!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems .
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK Submarines and the specific systems you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with technical documentation, procedural documents, and any relevant design safety justifications. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in creating technical documentation and how you've interpreted various sources of information. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the job description. This will help the interviewers see your practical application of knowledge.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company's approach to technical documentation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Focus on explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as this is crucial for the role. The more comfortable you are speaking about your expertise, the more confident you'll feel during the actual interview.