At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the automation and control systems for next-gen naval ships.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a pioneer in British defence and maritime innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid work options, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of naval technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in control systems and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK's defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We are creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. 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 UK.
Job Description
Navantia UK is seeking an experienced Senior Ship Control & Automation Engineer to lead the definition, integration and assurance of automation, control and ship systems monitoring across major naval and maritime programmes. This is a pivotal system-level role, sitting at the centre of platform architecture and digital engineering - ensuring coherence between ship design, automation suppliers and advanced simulation environments.
As part of the global Navantia Group, you will help specify and integrate novel technologies that reduce crewing, increase availability, and enable highly automated vessels of the future.
What you’ll be doing
- Developing the Control & Instrumentation (C&I) and automation strategy aligned to platform and performance goals
- Defining and owning automation architectures, standards, specifications and functional descriptions
- Acting as the technical interface between design teams and automation/platform management system suppliers
- Managing supplier deliverables, interfaces, reviews, hazard analysis and FMEAs
- Leading development of I/O lists with full traceability to requirements, P&IDs, networks and equipment
- Supporting systems engineering activities, including requirements management, verification and configuration control
- Contributing to digital twins and system simulation, including signal mapping and behavioural modelling
- Providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers and embedding best practice
What we’re looking for
Essential
- Strong background in Control & Instrumentation, automation and platform management systems
- Experience specifying, integrating and assuring complex control and monitoring systems
- Proven interface management with automation and autonomy system suppliers
- Knowledge of marine systems (defence experience desirable)
- Understanding of UK defence software integrity and cyber security standards
- Degree in Control Engineering, Systems Engineering or equivalent
- Excellent leadership, communication and systems thinking capability
Desirable
- Experience with MBSE tools, system modelling or digital twins
- Chartered Engineer or working towards chartership
- BPSS clearance required (SC for some roles)
Why join Navantia UK?
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Hybrid working (minimum 3 days on site, project dependent)
- A senior, influential role shaping ship automation strategy
- The opportunity to work on cutting-edge naval and maritime programmes
- A collaborative, inclusive culture where expertise genuinely matters
Interested? Apply with your CV (and cover letter if you wish) and help define the future of intelligent naval platforms. Navantia UK is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, focuses on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect | Hybrid in England employer: Navantia UK
Navantia-UK in Bristol is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a focus on career development and a hybrid working model, team members are empowered to influence significant maritime platform support while enjoying a competitive salary and the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts in both defence and commercial sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect | Hybrid in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the position. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression without rambling.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect | Hybrid in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect role. Highlight your experience in Control & Instrumentation and automation systems, as well as any relevant projects that showcase your skills in naval and maritime programmes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:If you choose to include a cover letter, use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Navantia UK. Share specific examples of your leadership and technical expertise that make you a great fit for the team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't forget to emphasise your technical skills, especially in specifying and integrating complex control systems. Mention any experience with MBSE tools or digital twins, as these are highly relevant to the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure all your details are captured correctly and you’ll be considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Control & Instrumentation and automation knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies in naval ship systems and be ready to discuss how they can enhance platform performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led projects, highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and manage teams.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Dive into Navantia UK's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of modernising industrial facilities and enhancing the UK's defence capabilities. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about automation architectures and system integration. Brush up on your knowledge of UK defence software integrity and cyber security standards, as these are crucial for the role.
