Principal Naval Architect

Job Title: Senior/Principal Naval Architect

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Bristol, Portsmouth or Frimley

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Competitive

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

You will be conducting the analysis and evaluations of submarine platform manoeuvring performance from concept design to in service support, whilst undertaking the development, verification and validation of mathematical manoeuvring models using physical model test data.

You will be working with enterprise partners to develop modelling capabilities, processes and toolsets, all whilst collaborating with Naval Architect teams and customers to deliver innovative and safe submarine solutions, while supporting and conducting hydrodynamic sea trials.

Core duties:

You will have gained prior experience within the generation of ship or submarine manoeuvring modelling

You will need to be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of hydrodynamic principles and methods

You will need to hold a degree in Naval Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or have relevant equivalent experience

The Vehicle Control Team:

As a Principal or Senior Naval Architect in the Vehicle Control team, you will work with experts across Naval Architecture and the Whole Boat Design Team on major, complex submarine design and build programmes, delivering advanced platforms for the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that 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 both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 15th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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