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 committed to equal opportunities.
- 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.
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.
Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect | Hybrid 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
✨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 job. Keep it concise but impactful – think of it as your personal elevator speech that highlights your strengths.
✨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
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:If you choose to include a cover letter, use it to tell us why you're passionate about naval automation. Share specific examples of how your background aligns with our mission at Navantia UK and how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about times you've led teams or projects, and how you've embedded best practices in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track its progress.
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Control & Instrumentation knowledge and automation systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that relate to naval or maritime programmes. This will show that you understand the technical requirements of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Naval Ship Automation Architect, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've managed supplier relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Navantia UK's mission and recent developments, like their acquisition of Harland & Wolff. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's automation strategy, the technologies they use, or their approach to digital twins. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
