About this role
⚓ Senior Ship Control & Automation Engineer
📍 Bristol, UK | Navantia UK
🕒 Full-time | Part-time considered | Hybrid working
Drive the intelligence behind the next generation of digital naval ships.
Navantia UK is seeking an experienced Senior Ship Control & Automation Engineer to lead the definition, integration and assurance of automation, control and ship systems monitoring across major naval and maritime programmes.
This is a pivotal system‑level role, sitting at the centre of platform architecture and digital engineering — ensuring coherence between ship design, automation suppliers and advanced simulation environments.
As part of the global Navantia Group, you’ll help specify and integrate novel technologies that reduce crewing, increase availability, and enable highly automated vessels of the future.
⚙️ What you’ll be doing
Developing the Control & Instrumentation (C&I) and automation strategy aligned to platform and performance goalsDefining and owning automation architectures, standards, specifications and functional descriptionsActing as the technical interface between design teams and automation / platform management system suppliersManaging supplier deliverables, interfaces, reviews, hazard analysis and FMEAsLeading development of I/O lists with full traceability to requirements, P&IDs, networks and equipmentSupporting systems engineering activities, including requirements management, verification and configuration controlContributing to digital twins and system simulation, including signal mapping and behavioural modellingProviding technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers and embedding best practiceWhat we’re looking for
Essential
Strong background in Control & Instrumentation, automation and platform management systemsExperience specifying, integrating and assuring complex control and monitoring systemsProven interface management with automation and autonomy system suppliersKnowledge of marine systems (defence experience desirable)Understanding of UK defence software integrity and cyber security standardsDegree in Control Engineering, Systems Engineering or equivalentExcellent leadership, communication and systems thinking capabilityDesirable
Experience with MBSE tools, system modelling or digital twinsChartered Engineer or working towards chartership🔐 BPSS clearance required (SC for some roles)
🌍 Why join Navantia UK?
Competitive salary and benefitsHybrid working (minimum 3 days on site, project dependent)A senior, influential role shaping ship automation strategyThe opportunity to work on cutting‑edge naval and maritime programmesA collaborative, inclusive culture where expertise genuinely matters📩 Interested?
Apply with your CV (and cover letter if you wish) and help define the future of intelligent naval platforms.
Navantia UK is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [email protected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.