Obsolescence Engineer
// Role Summary
Join BAE Systems as an Obsolescence Engineer, playing a critical role in ensuring the continued availability of vital defence systems. This hybrid role involves both data analysis and hands-on investigation at Portsmouth Naval Base.
// Key Responsibilities
- Identify and resolve obsolescence issues across mechanical, electrical, and combat systems.
- Conduct onboard surveys and liaise with ship staff for practical investigations.
- Develop and evaluate obsolescence resolution options.
- Interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Contribute to a flexible, cross-skilled Supportability Engineering Hub.
- Hybrid working arrangements available with 3 days onsite at Portsmouth Naval Base.
// Role Specification
Obsolescence Engineer - Supportability
BAE Systems is seeking a dedicated Supportability Engineer, specializing in Obsolescence, to join our team. This role is pivotal in managing sustainability and availability risks by identifying, assessing, and mitigating obsolescence impacts across mechanical, electrical, and combat systems.
The position blends rigorous engineering judgment, data analysis, and structured processes with a practical, hands-on approach. You will be expected to board ships at Portsmouth Naval Base to engage with ship's staff, investigate obsolescence issues directly, and report findings to ensure the continued in-service availability of critical systems.
Core Duties Include:
- Analyzing engineering, supply chain, and support data to identify and resolve emerging obsolescence issues, with escalation as required.
- Contributing to the development of obsolescence resolution strategies, such as substitutions, lifetime buys, and minor design changes, and assisting senior engineers in evaluating trade-offs.
- Interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation to support impact assessments and data integration.
- Investigating and responding to queries concerning obsolescence data and system impacts, providing timely and coherent feedback.
- Conducting onboard surveys across various vessel classes to identify, assess, and document obsolete equipment and components, supporting lifecycle management and replacement planning.
- Liaising with internal stakeholders in engineering, supply chain, and support to ensure the capture and understanding of relevant data inputs.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Good general engineering knowledge in Mechanical, Electrical, or Combat Systems.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Awareness of obsolescence drivers, basic mitigation approaches, and the importance of regulatory compliance.
- Experience in a Maritime/Marine/Royal Navy or Commercial background, with an understanding of the defence industry, is preferable.
About the Team:
As an integral part of the Supportability Engineering Hub, this role offers the opportunity to develop broader supportability competencies. You will actively contribute to adjacent areas including maintenance planning, technical publications, and supportability analysis. This flexible, cross-skilled approach allows the team to adapt dynamically to programme priorities and deliver comprehensive through-life engineering outcomes.
Working Arrangements:
This role is based at Portsmouth Naval Base, with a requirement for 3 days onsite. BAE Systems offers a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, which can be discussed further with your recruiter.