Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineer; Platform Systems

Our client is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of submarine platform systems within the defence and security sector. Based in Barrow, this contract role offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership across hydraulic and actuation systems for a major submarine programme.

• Contract duration of 12 months
• Location:
  
  Barrow
• Hybrid working pattern, with two days onsite per fortnight
• Focus on submarine hydraulic, actuation and platform systems

• Provide technical leadership, owning mechanical design solutions and guiding engineering teams
• Lead the technical assurance of hydraulic systems, sub-systems and equipment
• Support system-level design, development and design architecture across the submarine programme
• Verify that engineering calculations are complete, appropriately checked and aligned with technical requirements
• Support the resolution of complex technical challenges by providing engineering advice and practical solutions
• Coordinate programme initiatives and lead additional work packages outside the normal system scope
• Drive engineering governance through peer reviews and design reviews, identifying and addressing documentation or process shortfalls
• Promote high standards of safety, health and environmental compliance throughout all engineering activities

• Strong experience in mechanical engineering and the design of hydraulic systems
• Experience working in complex, safety-critical environments such as defence, maritime, aerospace, nuclear, oil and gas or subsea engineering
• Knowledge of hydraulic power units, variable frequency drives, control cabinets, pumps, electric motors, hydraulic actuators, hydrostatic transmissions and fluid mechanics
• Proven capability in delivering systems throughout the engineering lifecycle, from concept through to commissioning
• Demonstrated technical leadership through engineering direction, mentoring or project ownership
• Understanding of relevant design standards, such as ASME, BS EN, Defence Standards or MOD requirements
• Chartered Engineer status or active progress towards professional accreditation
• Strong communication, technical assurance and problem-solving skills

• Experience in submarine or ship design
• Understanding of platform-level constraints, including noise, shock and survivability
• Experience engaging with suppliers and stakeholders on hydraulic systems
• Knowledge of hydraulic control logic and variable frequency drive solutions