Systems Engineer - Propulsion (Defence / Maritime / Ships / Submarines)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with strong propulsion domain knowledge to support a major defence maritime programme. The role sits within a multidisciplinary engineering team developing and integrating propulsion systems for naval platforms including surface ships and/or submarines.
This is a long-term opportunity suited to an engineer with experience across the propulsion lifecycle-requirements, design, performance analysis, verification/validation, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, refine, and manage systems requirements for propulsion systems across the project lifecycle.
Support propulsion concept development, system architecture definition, and integration activities.
Conduct system-level assessments including performance analysis, functional modelling, and trade studies.
Work with specialist propulsion engineers (mechanical, electrical, controls) to ensure coherent system design.
Produce and review technical documentation including requirements sets, interface definitions, specifications, and design justification material.
Support V&V planning, test readiness, acceptance criteria development, and review of qualification evidence.
Assist in developing and maintaining propulsion system architectures, block diagrams, and interface models.
Engage with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customer representatives to ensure technical alignment.
Participate in design reviews, technical workshops, hazard analyses, and risk assessments.
Contribute to the integration of propulsion systems with platform-level systems such as power/energy, cooling, auxiliaries, control systems, and safety systems.
Required Skills & Experience
Background in systems engineering, ideally in a defence or safety-critical environment.
Proven experience with propulsion systems in maritime, naval, or submarine platforms.
Strong understanding of whole-system engineering including requirements, integration, verification, and configuration control.
Familiarity with propulsion subsystems such as:
Prime movers (diesel, gas turbine, electric drive)
Shaftline systems
Power transmission
Cooling and auxiliary systems
Control & monitoring systems
Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and system models.
Experience with systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Cameo, Rhapsody, Enterprise Architect, or equivalent.
Desirable Experience
Experience working on submarine propulsion or integrated electric propulsion (IEP).
Knowledge of safety and certification requirements for naval platforms.
Experience producing design justification evidence or safety case inputs.
Knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
