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 salary, hybrid working, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of intelligent naval platforms with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Control & Instrumentation and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Company 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
Drive the intelligence behind the next generation of digital naval ships. 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 will 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 are 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, we focus 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.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online please contact us and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
Senior Ship Control & Automation Engineer 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 Ship Control & Automation Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Navantia UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects related to control and automation systems. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of marine systems and automation standards. Mock interviews with friends can really help.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Navantia UK team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ship Control & Automation Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Ship Control & Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience in Control & Instrumentation and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in automation and platform management systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:If you choose to include a cover letter, use it to tell us why you're passionate about working with Navantia UK. Share specific examples of how your background aligns with our mission to enhance the UK's defence and maritime capabilities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves technical leadership, make sure to highlight any mentoring or leadership experiences you've had. We want to see how you can guide junior engineers and contribute to a collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Navantia UK.
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 systems and be ready to discuss how they can be integrated into ship design. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed supplier interfaces or led complex projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Navantia UK’s values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around collaboration and innovation. Showing that you fit into their culture can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company’s future projects. Inquire about their approach to digital twins or how they envision the evolution of automation in naval ships. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking regarding the industry.
