Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the Role

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer at BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent, you will be instrumental in providing expert Mechanical Engineering support. This includes the design and development of new, innovative products, as well as fault finding, diagnostics, and salvage of existing systems. You will have the opportunity to lead innovation and provide crucial technical direction to other Engineers and Technicians, transforming ideas into detailed schemes supported by rigorous calculations and reports.

Your role will involve demonstrating compliance with requirements, supporting risk reduction activities, and undertaking qualification testing as needed. A key expectation is the delivery of a high-quality service to customers, on time and within budget, with minimal management oversight. You will also be expected to present design details directly to our high-profile customers.

Core Duties

• Generate design concepts and solutions from first principles, leveraging product knowledge and advanced engineering understanding to meet project and customer requirements.
• Prepare and present concise Mechanical Development Plans, Design Scheme Data Packs, and other engineering details for internal review and customer forums.
• Assume a Design Authority role, responsible for checking and approving datasets (drawings/MBD) to ensure they conform to required standards, accurately reflect design intent, and adequately define parts for manufacture and inspection.
• Collaborate effectively across all engineering disciplines, liaising with technical specialists as required. Support Team Leads, Projects, and Mechanical Functional Managers in preparing estimates for future design activities.
• Conduct Design Authority level checks on the work of other mechanical engineers, including designs, design data, hand calculations, and technical reports.
• Provide governance and ensure adherence to departmental and company policies and procedures by engineers and technicians.
• Potentially travel to represent the company, deliver presentations, and conduct product installation surveys away from the Rochester base.

The Service & Industrialisation (S&I) Team

The S&I Team provides vital engineering support to the wider Service organisation, working closely with Hardware and Systems Engineering teams. Our Mechanical Team consists of seven engineers, from Apprentice to Principal level, supporting a diverse portfolio of products with lifecycles exceeding 25 years. Our focus is on ensuring equipment remains safe, reliable, and operational throughout its service life, playing a critical role in keeping aircraft flying by resolving obsolescence issues, undertaking redesign and modification work, and developing repair solutions to maintain customer capability and operational availability.

Why BAE Systems?

At BAE Systems, you'll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. We foster an environment of lifelong learning and meaningful work, empowering you to grow your career with confidence and be your best. You'll be recognised for your contributions and enjoy tailored rewards, comprehensive support for your financial and personal wellbeing, and a balanced lifestyle. Join a supportive culture with a strong sense of shared purpose, where you can feel a sense of belonging and pride in the difference you make.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. A diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may impact eligibility based on factors such as nationality and place of birth. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum. Many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically necessitates 5-10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level.