Principal Mechanical Engineer

Join a high-impact engineering team supporting the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in maintaining and enhancing the UK's naval capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to provide technical expertise and assurance across the through-life maintenance and upgrade of complex warship systems.

What you'll be doing:

• Providing independent technical oversight and assurance on behalf of the MOD for the through-life support of warship platforms

• Supporting the development of estimates and contributing to the creation of design requirement specifications

• Delivering functional design work, and providing qualification evidence to demonstrate compliance with safety, performance, and legislative requirements

• Championing and implementing new technologies across projects and programmes

• Acting as a technical authority for key sub-systems within your discipline

• Offering expert guidance and technical leadership, with the opportunity to lead and mentor a team of engineers

Your skills and experience:

• A seasoned mechanical engineer with a strong background in complex systems, and a commitment to working towards Chartered status (if not already attained)

• Broad knowledge and practical experience across a range of mechanical engineering disciplines

• Proven ability to make sound engineering decisions, drawing on support from technical specialists where required

• Experience working with one or more of the following systems:

  • Auxiliary systems (HVAC, fuel, fresh water, sea water)

  • Gas turbine services

  • Waste systems (black and grey water, bilge, sullage)

  • Gas systems

  • Intake and exhaust systems

  • Chilled water systems

  • Lubrication oil and hydraulic systems

• Demonstrable experience in applying safety management tools and processes, and taking responsibility for engineering safety decisions

As part of the UK Ministry of Defence's Common Support Model (CSM), the complex Naval Design Authority is comprised of the DE&S Approving Authority (WAA) and the supporting Technical Authority (WTA). This role forms part of the WTA team and plays a key role in providing technical governance, oversight, and assurance for engineering decisions that impact supported naval platforms. Depending on evolving business needs, the scope may also extend to additional platforms within the WTA's remit.

The primary responsibility is to uphold the design intent and ensure the continued safety and integrity of naval platforms. The role includes compiling and presenting assurance evidence to the relevant WAA, operating under the delegated authority of the WTA Class Lead Engineer (CLE). All work must align with established engineering standards, safety requirements, and governance protocols.