Senior Mechanical Engineer (Diesel Engines)

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer (Diesel Engines)

Location: Portsmouth Naval Base – Full time onsite

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

Salary: Up to £50,000 (dependent on skills and experience)

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.

Role description:

Responsible to the relevant Propulsion Systems Services Manager for the commissioning, servicing, defect rectification and maintenance of marine systems on board Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) Aircraft Carriers, Type 45 (T45) Destroyers and Hunt Class Platforms and any contracted tasking. The engineer will ensure the work is to an agreed standard and delivered in the most economical, logical and professional way, with due regard being paid at all times to Safety, Health and the Environment (SHE)

Core duties:

• Operate Safe Systems of Work that comply with company SHE procedures and processes at all times.
• Work with technical autonomy and provide advice and guidance to other technical staff.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to less experienced engineers, including apprentices.
• Engage with customers and authorities, in writing, by telephone or face-to-face, to discuss technical issues and problems.
• Provide information and technical advice to support the compilation of estimates, programmes, and work packages.
• Ensure that all work meets Product Safety standards.
• Support inspection and maintenance activities through appropriate NVQ Level 3 and 4 qualifications and competence.
• Support wider PSST and Services teams in their activities to maintain utilisation.
• Provide engineering support to Naval Base operations, maintenance, and project teams, including inspection, maintenance, commissioning, and defect diagnosis of propulsion equipment and associated systems.
• Apply knowledge, skills, and experience to resolve issues and faults associated with the operation and performance of propulsion systems.
• Plan, coordinate, conduct, and present trials and commissioning activities to all relevant stakeholders

Essential skills:

• Extensive experience and detailed technical knowledge in the maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair and overhaul of diesel engines and associated propulsion systems
• HNC/HND qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience working with diesel engine OEMs and applying manufacturer maintenance and repair procedures is advantageous
• Demonstrates professional excellence with a strong commitment to health and safety

The Propulsion Systems Services team:

The Propulsion Systems Services Team provides specialist diesel engine and propulsion support across a range of Royal Navy warships. Based within the dockyard, the team delivers hands on maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair and overhaul activities, supporting multiple classes of vessels from a central location. Working across a diverse fleet, the team plays a key role in ensuring propulsion systems remain operational and available to meet demanding naval requirements.

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: 24th November 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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