At BAE Systems, we are building next generation submarines for the Royal Navy. From our base in Barrow-in-Furness, our team are constructing two different classes of nuclear powered submarines – the Astute and Dreadnought.
In this article, we’ll explore the skills needed to join our team in a submarine engineer job and explain why BAE Systems is the perfect place to launch your career.
What skills and qualifications are needed to become a submarine engineer?
Submarine engineers need to have a mix of great technical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to solve complex problems. The key things you’ll need to develop include:
An educational foundation – Having a strong background in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects is an important foundation. Most submarine engineers hold a degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or relevant disciplines such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
Technical skills – Examples of desirable technical skills include CAD (Computer-Aided design), hydrodynamics and structural analysis.
Problem solving – You’ll come across many complex challenges in the design and construction of submarines. So it’s vital you’re able to apply your technical knowledge to create a solution.
Attention to detail – Each and every component fitted within a submarine must be meticulously tested. This makes attention to detail another vital skill in your daily work.
Communication – Many thousands of people are involved in the crafting of submarines. This means that communication across different teams is essential to keeping projects on track.
What kind of engineers are involved in building submarines?
It takes many different types of engineers to bring the vision of a new submarine to life. Relevant engineering disciplines include:
Naval architecture
Naval architects are responsible for producing the initial designs for the submarine. Their role is to ensure that the structure devised will meet all of the safety requirements and perform well, once launched.
Marine engineering
Marine engineers specialise in the parts of the submarine that keep it afloat and manoeuvrable. Their work focuses on the development and maintenance of the hull, ballast systems and many other components that keep the sub operational underwater.
Electrical engineering
Electrical systems are essential to all aspects of a submarine, from its power distribution, lighting and controls to its navigation and communication. Many electrical engineers are therefore involved at all stages to keep these systems fine-tuned.
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineers focus on many other key aspects of the submarine’s functionality. They work to design, develop, and maintain moving parts that make up the propulsion, ventilation, and hydraulic systems on board the vessel.
Nuclear engineering
The power generated from a submarine’s nuclear reactor is what allows naval vessels to stay underwater for long periods of time. Nuclear engineers are also vital members of the team as they build reactors that effectively power the sub, whilst safely shielding the boat’s crew from radiation.
Systems engineering
Systems engineers play a pivotal role in bringing together all of the different systems within a submarine. From electrical and mechanical components to the nuclear reactor and ballast systems, their job is to make them work together seamlessly.
Software engineering
In the latest generation of naval submarines, sophisticated software is needed to control everything from navigation to weapons systems. Software engineers develop and integrate this cutting-edge technology to enhance the functionality of the submarine.
Are submarine engineers in demand?
Submarine engineers have never been in such high demand, and this is expected to grow in the future.
Our national and global security depends on these incredible machines and as their technology becomes more advanced, so does the need for highly skilled engineers to build and maintain them.
In 2023, BAE Systems were awarded £3.95bn in funding to develop the UK's next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine programme, known as SSN-AUKUS.
Our team will start work on these revolutionary new submarines in the late 2020s. In the late 2030s, these boats will then replace the Astute class submarines, which are currently being built in our Barrow-in-Furness site.
Securing this landmark contract has allowed us to invest in our infrastructure and the recruitment of thousands of talented professionals in the years ahead, including new submarine engineers.
How much does a submarine engineer earn?
Salaries for submarine engineers varies depending on the location, your experience, and the type of the role you’re carrying out.
UK graduates can expect to start their career with a salary in the region of £25,000 to £35,000 per year. This can rise significantly as you progress. Some senior engineers in specialist roles have salaries over £70,000.
As well as being a well-paid profession, submarine engineering at BAE Systems gives you the chance to work on world leading projects. Not only will you be supported to grow your knowledge and skillset, but you can also take great pride in work that makes a difference to our national security.
How do I get into submarine engineering?
Aspiring submarine engineers first need to study relevant subjects to gain that all important foundational knowledge.
Typically, you’ll start with A Levels / Highers in mathematics and science, before progressing onto a relevant engineering degree at university. This can be complimented with internships, work placements and specialised study into relevant areas such as CAD design and hydrodynamics.
Engineering apprenticeships, such as those offered at BAE Systems, are a great alternative to university degrees.
These provide experience in real-life submarine projects, a competitive salary and expert training from seasoned professionals.
If you already have some experience in a relevant area of engineering, a great place to start is browsing our current submarine engineer jobs.
Why join BAE Systems as a submarine engineer?
At BAE Systems, we provide the perfect platform for submarine engineers to grow their career. Whether you’re a graduate, apprentice or experienced professional, we're committed to your personal development.
Through our extensive learning programmes and on the job training, we’ll support you to achieve your ambitions alongside our talented team.
Together we are pushing the limits of what's possible with next generation submarines that make history and have a real-world impact on our national security.
You can contribute to world first projects such as the development of our Dreadnought class Royal Navy submarines.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in our growing workforce means you’ll find yourself in a supportive environment, in which your ideas are always valued.
Here you are free to be yourself and enjoy an incredible career journey, in which you can make a huge difference to global stability in your daily work.
My favourite part of the job is the lab-based work … it’s really high-tech stuff. You never get tired of going on the submarines, each time is just as surreal and exciting as the last.Callum, graduate materials engineer, Barrow-in-Furness
Learn more about BAE Systems
Find out more about our apprenticeship and graduate programmes in engineering, read inspiring stories from our employees or browse our available submarine engineer jobs.