2,625 Propulsion Systems jobs in the United Kingdom

Inside IR35

Hybrid - 3 days pw at Gaydon

• Planning and executing functional and non-functional tests on both PIL/VIL and in-vehicle settings
• Developing and implementing test plans to meet customer requirements and performance targets
• Collaborating with the rigs team to adapt test cases and improve DVP processes
• Preparing system test specifications and developing functional tests to demonstrate compliance with customer requirements
• Conducting data post-processing to confirm test pass/fail criteria and documenting the results in test reports
• Triaging and resolving issues identified during the testing process
• Supporting cross-functional technical reviews and integrating propulsion system data from various test teams
• Providing system verification and validation to demonstrate attribute delivery
• Contributing to the continuous improvement by documenting lessons learnt from each project/test
• Providing technical support and assistance across the operational team

• Experience in a Systems Engineering test and development environment, ideally within the automotive sector
• Proficiency in model-based engineering (MBE) and requirements and test case management (RM)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Experience in system definition, system architecture development, requirements specification, systems integration, and system assessment
• Full driving licence
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience preferred

• Experience applying Systems Engineering verification and resolving complex technical issues using structured approaches
• Familiarity with Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML using IBM Rational Rhapsody
• Experience using IBM Rational DOORS

We are seeking a hands-on Test Engineer to support one of our key product lines within the chemical propulsion business unit. This includes thrusters, apogee engines, complete propulsion systems, and new product development.

You will generate and execute test plans, setting up and maintaining test equipment, and delivering high-quality test results and data to engineering teams. This is a practical, engineering-led role involving significant hands-on work with propulsion hardware and test setups.

 Key Responsibilities:

Generate test plans, checkout procedures, and maintenance plans for propulsion systems and test equipment.

Develop and execute test procedures to support rocket engine testing and qualification.

Deliver test results, data analysis, and input to Test Reports for engineering review.

Generate compliance matrices (Design Verification Compliance Matrix) against test plans and higher-level specifications.

Design and develop test equipment including:

Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and supporting software.

 Skills and  Experience Required:

Strong mechanical fitting or hands-on engineering background, ideally from within aerospace or similar engineering fields.

Excellent knowledge of chemical rocket propulsion and fluidic control systems.

Familiar with space standard engineering practices.

Logical approach to problem-solving and high attention to detail.

Experience working with multiple stakeholders, from engineers to external clients.

BSc in Mechanical, Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering or Physics.

Experience in testing or developing space propulsion systems.

Prior exposure to spacecraft chemical propulsion systems is beneficial but not essential.

Inside IR35

Hybrid - 3 days pw at Gaydon

• Planning and executing functional and non-functional tests on both PIL/VIL and in-vehicle settings
• Developing and implementing test plans to meet customer requirements and performance targets
• Collaborating with the rigs team to adapt test cases and improve DVP processes
• Preparing system test specifications and developing functional tests to demonstrate compliance with customer requirements
• Conducting data post-processing to confirm test pass/fail criteria and documenting the results in test reports
• Triaging and resolving issues identified during the testing process
• Supporting cross-functional technical reviews and integrating propulsion system data from various test teams
• Providing system verification and validation to demonstrate attribute delivery
• Contributing to the continuous improvement by documenting lessons learnt from each project/test
• Providing technical support and assistance across the operational team

• Experience in a Systems Engineering test and development environment, ideally within the automotive sector
• Proficiency in model-based engineering (MBE) and requirements and test case management (RM)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Experience in system definition, system architecture development, requirements specification, systems integration, and system assessment
• Full driving licence
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience preferred

• Experience applying Systems Engineering verification and resolving complex technical issues using structured approaches
• Familiarity with Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML using IBM Rational Rhapsody
• Experience using IBM Rational DOORS

We are seeking an experienced Test Engineer to work alongside Senior Test Engineers and the Test Manager at space thruster test facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting site preparation, fuel handling, pressure systems, and instrumentation.

Lead the coordination and planning of test activities, including building new test facilities and test procedures.

Provide in-depth knowledge of space thruster theory, liquid propellant and high-pressure gas systems

Key Requirements:

Mechanical fitting or practical engineering skills (preferably gained through an apprenticeship or engineering-related organization).

A positive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.

Ideally qualified to graduate level in a related engineering discipline.

Proficient in analysing test data and preparing detailed reports.

Excellent problem-solving skills and a logical approach to tasks.

Working with high-pressure gas systems and outdoor conditions

We are seeking an experienced Test Engineer to work alongside Senior Test Engineers and the Test Manager at space thruster test facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting site preparation, fuel handling, pressure systems, and instrumentation.

Lead the coordination and planning of test activities, including building new test facilities and test procedures.

Provide in-depth knowledge of space thruster theory, liquid propellant and high-pressure gas systems

Key Requirements:

Mechanical fitting or practical engineering skills (preferably gained through an apprenticeship or engineering-related organization).

A positive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.

Ideally qualified to graduate level in a related engineering discipline.

Proficient in analysing test data and preparing detailed reports.

Excellent problem-solving skills and a logical approach to tasks.

Working with high-pressure gas systems and outdoor conditions

Job Title: Consultant Mechanical Engineer (Hydrostatic Control)

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Frimley, Filton or Manchester. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Circa £60,000

What you’ll be doing:

• Be responsible for the capture and approval of functional requirements for Hydrostatic Control in accordance with company and programme processes.
• Deliver a coherent functional design for Hydrostatic Control and wider AVCS, across mechanical systems, C&I equipment, HMI and software.
• Define test objectives, scenarios and sea trials for V&V of the design and integrated system, both for system performance and use by the operator.
• Provide technical specialist input, reviews and support for projects that are beyond immediate scope
• Manage stakeholder engagement throughout the design to ensure that the solution meets the requirements of the Royal Navy

Your skills and experiences:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Active Vehicle Control System functionality
• An understanding of complex control systems
• Knowledge of hydrostatic control systems such as trim, compensation, hover and their operation
• Demonstrable experience of applying systems engineering principles
• Relevant STEM degree or equivalent experience
• CEng status or equivalent in a relevant subject matter/ working towards

Benefits:

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.

The Hydrostatic Control team:

By joining our team, you will help to play an integral part of delivering and maintaining operational excellence for UK Defence. The team’s innovative approach involves adapting controls that are usually used in fly-by-wire aircraft and applying them in a marine environment. The opportunity will give you a fantastic chance to develop within your career and also be a part of our largest and more complex programmes yet. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

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.

Closing Date: 5^th September 2025

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.

#LI-MS1

#LI-Hybrid

Job Title: Consultant Mechanical Engineer (Hydrostatic Control)

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Frimley, Filton or Manchester. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Circa £60,000

What you’ll be doing:

• Be responsible for the capture and approval of functional requirements for Hydrostatic Control in accordance with company and programme processes.
• Deliver a coherent functional design for Hydrostatic Control and wider AVCS, across mechanical systems, C&I equipment, HMI and software.
• Define test objectives, scenarios and sea trials for V&V of the design and integrated system, both for system performance and use by the operator.
• Provide technical specialist input, reviews and support for projects that are beyond immediate scope
• Manage stakeholder engagement throughout the design to ensure that the solution meets the requirements of the Royal Navy

Your skills and experiences:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Active Vehicle Control System functionality
• An understanding of complex control systems
• Knowledge of hydrostatic control systems such as trim, compensation, hover and their operation
• Demonstrable experience of applying systems engineering principles
• Relevant STEM degree or equivalent experience
• CEng status or equivalent in a relevant subject matter/ working towards

Benefits:

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.

The Hydrostatic Control team:

By joining our team, you will help to play an integral part of delivering and maintaining operational excellence for UK Defence. The team’s innovative approach involves adapting controls that are usually used in fly-by-wire aircraft and applying them in a marine environment. The opportunity will give you a fantastic chance to develop within your career and also be a part of our largest and more complex programmes yet. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

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.

Closing Date: 5^th September 2025

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.

#LI-MS1

#LI-Hybrid

Job title: Principal Mechanical Engineer – PNED

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role

Salary: £45,628 – £57,500 dependent on experience

What you’ll be doing:

• Collaborate closely with the build organisation, providing engineering support to ensure the final product aligns with original design intent

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of key requirements and critical dimensions related to major structural components

• Lead the assessment and implementation of design changes impacting primary structural elements, whether driven by emergent issues, continuous improvement, or process updates

• Support, or where appropriate, serve as the engineering representative within test and authorisation groups

• Develop specialised knowledge of the unique build sequence of the Reactor Compartment Unit and deliver ongoing engineering support throughout construction

• Represent the engineering function during the planning and execution of major construction milestones within the Reactor Compartment Unit’s scope

• Investigate and present robust technical solutions to challenges encountered during the construction of the Naval Reactor Plant

• Provide well-reasoned technical recommendations to key stakeholders, including Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence, to support or constructively challenge existing requirements

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Degree-level qualification in Engineering, preferably with a focus on Mechanical or Structural disciplines

• Proficient in interpreting mechanical drawings, with a solid understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

• Familiarity with welding engineering principles and non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques

• Strong technical report writing skills, with experience in producing clear justifications for design changes

Desirable:

• Understanding of stress, fatigue, and thermal analysis principles in engineering applications

• Awareness of nuclear radiation shielding requirements and best practices

• Prior experience working within a nuclear plant environment

• Knowledge of the nuclear industry, including familiarity with regulatory bodies and compliance standards

Benefits:

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.

The Platform Nuclear Engineering Department team:

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer – PNED, you will play a critical role in supporting the design, build, and test phases of the Naval Reactor Plant (NRP) across multiple programmes, ensuring alignments with the original design intent. This includes leading the resolution of complex technical issues encountered during construction and testing, with a focus on developing robust engineering solutions and maintaining the integrity of the supporting safety case.

You will provide expert guidance to internal teams including Engineering Delivery, Test & Commissioning, Operations, and Project Management. Additionally, you will represent the business in collaboration with key external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Rolls-Royce Power, ensuring effective coordination across the wider enterprise. We offer relocation support across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria

Why BAE Systems?

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.

Closing Date: 28^th August 2025

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.

#LI-MS1

#LI-Hybrid

Job title: Senior Mechanical Engineer – Site and Facilities

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role

Salary: £40,748 + Dependent on experience

What you’ll be doing:

• Review HVAC and LEV system designs from external contractors and consultants to ensure alignment with current legislation, regulations, and site-specific standards

• Provide expert technical advice and recommendations on HVAC and LEV matters across the wider business

• Collaborate with site stakeholders to ensure new and existing LEV systems comply fully with regulatory requirements

• Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to support the implementation of new or upgraded HVAC and LEV systems

• Work closely with end users to define system requirements for HVAC and LEV installations

• Support Principal Engineers in developing and maintain site engineering standards related to HVAC and LEV systems

• Ensure all new or modified assets meet current regulatory standards and satisfy stakeholder expectations

• Assist project teams by reviewing installation and commissioning activities where HVAC / LEV expertise is required

Your skills and experiences:

• HNC / HND qualification in Building Services Engineering or a closely related discipline

• Completion of British Occupational Health Society P601 in Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), or equivalent LEV training

• Membership with a recognised engineering professional body such as the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), with a clear path towards Chartered Engineer status

• Proven background in the design, installation or maintenance of HVAC and/or LEV systems

Benefits:

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.

The Mechanical Site & Facilities team:

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer – Site & Facilities, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of suitably qualified and experienced professionals across Electrical, Mechanical and Civil / Structural engineering. The primary focus of the team is to define and maintain site engineering standards and requirements for equipment, systems, and facilities in compliance with relevant legislation and operational processes. We offer relocation support across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria

Why BAE Systems?

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.

Closing Date: 12^th August 2025

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.

#LI-MS1

#LI-Hybrid