Lead Mechanical Engineer – Hydraulics
// Role Summary
Lead Mechanical Engineer – Hydraulics with expertise in complex, safety-critical hydraulic systems for submarine programmes. Take ownership of design solutions, provide technical leadership, and influence platform-level decisions on a major UK defence project.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of submarine hydraulic and actuation systems.
- Provide technical leadership and own design solutions.
- Ensure technical assurance of hydraulic systems for next-generation Royal Navy submarines.
- Coordinate programmatic initiatives and lead additional work packages.
- Drive engineering governance through reviews and address process shortfalls.
- Requires experience in complex, safety-critical hydraulic system design.
// Role Specification
About BAE Systems
Join BAE Systems and become part of a global team pioneering progress and protecting what matters most. You'll be trusted to deliver advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace, and security solutions, shaping a safer future.
Role Overview
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the design and development of submarine hydraulic and actuation systems. This includes system-level design, providing technical leadership, and steering design architecture across a major submarine programme.
Core Duties
- Provide technical leadership, owning design solutions and guiding team members.
- Lead the technical assurance of hydraulic systems, sub-systems, and equipment for the next generation Royal Navy submarines.
- Verify calculations are complete, appropriately checked, and meet technical intent.
- Support the team in overcoming technical challenges, providing advice and ensuring adequate technical solutions.
- Coordinate programmatic initiatives and lead work packages outside of the normal system scope.
- Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews, identifying and addressing documentation or process shortfalls.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Strong experience in the design of hydraulic systems, ideally in complex, safety-critical environments (e.g., maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil & gas, sub-sea).
- Familiarity with systems and equipment including hydraulic power units (HPUs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), control cabinets, pumps, electric motors, hydraulic actuators, hydrostatic transmissions, and fluid mechanics.
- Proven capability in system lifecycle delivery, from concept through to commissioning.
- Demonstrated leadership through technical direction, mentoring, or project ownership.
- Chartered engineer or working towards professional accreditation.
About the Team
This role is within the SSN-AUKUS Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team. As a technical specialist for critical fluid systems essential to submarine operations, you will take ownership of high-integrity mechanical designs in a demanding engineering environment. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to develop complex system solutions, influence platform-level decisions, and ensure designs meet strict safety, performance, and environmental standards. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to one of the UK’s most advanced defence programmes.
Working Arrangements and Benefits
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Relocation support may be available for submarine roles, subject to eligibility.
Security and Eligibility
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Your nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth can affect your eligibility. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Higher levels of National Security Vetting may require 5-10 years of continuous residency in the UK.