At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and optimisation of electrical systems for advanced naval projects.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a pioneering force in maritime engineering with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable maritime technologies and complex engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in power systems design required.
The predicted salary is between 48231 - 58949 £ per year.
Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well‑positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the country.
Are you ready to take the lead on some of the most advanced naval engineering projects in the world? Navantia UK is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to join our growing Bristol‑based team. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the design, integration, and optimisation of electrical and control systems for complex naval and government platforms – shaping the future of maritime capability.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the design, integration, and optimisation of electrical systems for naval and government vessels
- Specify and develop power generation and distribution systems (HV & LV)
- Deliver robust energy management strategies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure seamless system integration
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards
- Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers
- Engage with clients, suppliers, and regulatory authorities
- Drive innovation in areas such as alternative power sources, future fuels, autonomy, and digital systems
- Support projects through build and throughout the vessel lifecycle
About You
You’ll be an experienced electrical systems engineer with the confidence and capability to lead technically complex projects. You’ll bring:
- A degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s desirable)
- Significant experience in power generation and distribution system design and integration
- Strong knowledge of HV and LV systems within marine or naval platforms
- Understanding of naval/maritime codes, standards, and regulations
- Experience with energy management and sustainable technologies
- Chartered Engineer status (or actively working towards it)
- Excellent leadership, mentoring, and problem‑solving skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities
- Eligibility for BPSS and potentially SC clearance
Why Join Navantia UK?
- Work on nationally and internationally significant naval programmes
- Lead complex, high‑impact engineering solutions
- Be part of a growing UK organisation with global backing
- Contribute to sustainable and future‑focused maritime technologies
- Join a collaborative, expert engineering community
Additional Information
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Hybrid working – typically 3 days per week in our Bristol office.
- Career growth opportunities within a global organisation.
- The chance to work on complex, cutting‑edge naval projects.
- An inclusive, collaborative workplace where your contributions make a difference.
Equal Opportunity: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed. If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online, please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
Principal Electrical Engineer in Bristol employer: Navantia Group
Navantia UK is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Belfast that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from hands-on engineering opportunities and strategic project leadership roles, alongside a commitment to professional growth and development. With a focus on delivering safe and efficient solutions, the company supports its team members in making impactful contributions to the naval and offshore systems sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Electrical Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Electrical Engineer role you’re after at Navantia Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Navantia Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Navantia Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Electrical Engineer at Navantia Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electrical Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Electrical Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Navantia Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Navantia Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Navantia Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Navantia Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
