Nuclear Commissioning Project Leader – Mechanical (Reactor)

Job Title: Nuclear Commissioning Project Leader – Mechanical (Reactor)

Location: Barrow-In-Furness, onsite

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development. We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager. If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

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 advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, 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.

What you will be doing:

In this role, you will lead the planning and delivery of mechanical commissioning activities across a defined test section, ensuring alignment with wider Test & Commissioning (T&C) programme objectives. You will take ownership of commissioning strategy execution, driving performance against time, cost, and quality targets.

You will support and lead a team of commissioning engineers, providing technical direction, oversight, and coaching within a complex nuclear environment. Working closely with the Reactor Test Group (RTG), you will authorise test documentation and ensure all commissioning activities are conducted safely and in compliance with regulatory and company standards.

Core duties:

• Drive the delivery of test and commissioning plans in line with programme milestones
• Lead and support a team of nuclear mechanical commissioning engineers
• Support the Reactor Test Group (RTG), including authorisation of test documentation
• Act as Authorised Person within the Permit to Work system
• Review and approve engineering outputs and technical documentation
• Plan and manage commissioning programmes across complex systems
• Embed Learning from Experience (LFE) to improve safety, quality, and delivery
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure safe and compliant execution of commissioning activities

Essential Skills:

• Degree, HNC/HND in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of nuclear systems and associated testing and commissioning activities
• Knowledge of submarine systems and their operation
• Experience working within nuclear, COMAH, or similarly highly regulated environments
• Proven ability to plan and deliver test and commissioning programmes
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing teams in complex engineering environments
• Familiarity with Learning from Experience (LFE) principles and continuous improvement practices

The RTS Commissioning Team:

Working within the Reactor Test Section (RTS) Commissioning Team, you will lead the planning and delivery of commissioning activities across major engineering systems and platform assemblies. You will manage a large and diverse team of commissioning engineers, bringing together a wide range of technical skills to deliver a complex and unique project of national importance.

This role provides the opportunity to influence commissioning strategy, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to the successful delivery of critical submarine systems. Relocation support packages are available across all Submarines roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and encourage discussion of reasonable adjustments where needed.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, including 5–10 years continuous UK residency depending on the role.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Lifelong learning, meaningful work, and a supportive culture enable you to grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and supported with rewards that matter most to you.

Closing Date: 7th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, please apply as early as possible.

#LI-KP1 #LI-onsite