Principal Engineer – Mechanical Engineering

Principal Engineer – Mechanical Engineering (Pressurised Air & Gas) – Barrow-in-Furness / Coventry (Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency Placement)

Position Overview

• Role: Principal Engineer – Mechanical Engineering (Pressurised Air & Gas)

• Location: Barrow-In-Furness or Coventry – Hybrid working options available for both sites dependent on business needs (Relocation support may be available for submarine roles subject to eligibility)

• Salary: Circa £52,000 per annum, commensurate with skills and experience

• Job Function: Engineering / Experienced Professionals

• Closing Date: Wednesday, 7th October 2026 (Note: The vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received)

About the Role

Play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine pressurised air and gas systems for the next-generation Royal Navy submarines! As a staffing partner, Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to recruit for this vital Principal Mechanical Engineer position on behalf of BAE Systems.

Operating within the SSN-AUKUS Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team, you will take ownership of high-integrity mechanical designs, engage with suppliers, and steer design architecture across a major submarine programme. Depending on your background and aspirations, the role offers flexible pathways toward technical leadership, people management, or specialist technical delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• System Design: Lead the design of pressurised air and gas systems, sub-systems, and equipment (including compressed air systems, compressors, pressure vessels, and reducers) for advanced submarines.

• Lifecycle Delivery: Undertake functional design activities, modelling, analysis, and produce design documentation, V&V evidence, and safety justifications.

• Supplier Collaboration: Support specification qualification and procurement of components by working closely with external suppliers.

• Governance & Stakeholders: Engage across cross-functional project teams, drive engineering governance through peer and design reviews, and take full accountability against project plans and milestones.

What We Are Looking For

• Engineering Experience: Strong background in the design of pressurised air and gas systems within complex, safety-critical environments (e.g., maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas).

• Lifecycle Competency: Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery from concept through to commissioning.

• Educational Background: Degree-qualified or HND holder with extensive, demonstrable experience in pressurised air and gas systems.

• Professional Status: Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards professional accreditation.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive starting salary circa £52,000 per annum tailored to your expertise.

• Pension & Share Plans: Comprehensive contributory pension scheme alongside employee share plans.

• Wellbeing & Lifestyle: Extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits, including private health plans, a green car scheme, and shopping discounts.