Lead Mechanical Engineer - Cooling & HVAC

Lead the design and development of Cooling and HVAC systems, subsystems and equipment for the next generation of Royal Navy Submarines

Perform functional design tasks, including system modelling, analysis, and validation

Promote robust engineering governance by conducting peer and design reviews

The role offers flexibility to align with your expertise and career goals, with opportunities to focus on:

• Technical Leadership - Take ownership of design solutions and provide technical guidance to engineering teams
• People Leadership - Manage small teams and support the growth of development of engineers
• Specialist Technical Delivery - Specialise in detailed analysis, performance optimisation, and system integration of Cooling and HVAC systems

Extensive experience in the design and development of cooling, ventilation, or HVAC systems, preferably within complex, safety‑critical industries such as maritime, aerospace, defence, nuclear, or oil & gas

Strong understanding of systems and equipment involving thermodynamics, fluid dynamics (compressible and in compressible flow), heat transfer, as well as components such as fans, pumps, and environmental control systems

Proven track record in delivering systems across the full engineering lifecycle - from concept design through to commissioning

Demonstrated leadership ability, evidenced through technical direction, mentoring, or ownership of key projects or work packages

• Prior experience in submarine or naval vessel design
• Familiarity with relevant engineering standards, such as ASME, BS EN, Def‑Stan, or MOD‑specific requirements
• Understanding of platform‑level cooling considerations, including noise reduction, shock resistance, and survivability
• Experience engaging with suppliers and stakeholders on environmental or thermal control system requirements and specifications

You will join the Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team - a dynamic and collaborative engineering group at the forefront of submarine platform development. This multidisciplinary team brings together engineers from a range of backgrounds, experience levels, and partner organisations to deliver essential mechanical capabilities. In this role, you will work closely with suppliers, systems engineers, and programme stakeholders to develop high‑integrity technical solutions, support team growth, and help ensure delivery is aligned with programme schedules and budgetary requirements.

We offer relocation support across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria

This is a place where you will be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.)

that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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 leave 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending in the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.