Principal Engineer - Weights (Defence Contract)

Weights Engineering is concerned with managing the overall weight and weight distribution of the submarine. The weights team work closely with the Naval architects to ensure the weight of the boat and the weight distribution provides a stable and buoyant platform. Weights Engineers are involved at all stages for the design lifecycle from concept design through to in-service support. From early weight predictions at concept design, through setting the weight budgets and continually monitoring weight changes through design development and into build. Weights Engineering also support operations for every module/unit move and manage the lead ballast installation.

JOB FUNCTION / CATEGORY Weights GRADE S5 CORE DUTIES

• To provide specialist Weight Engineering design support to all current programmes for submarines and surface ships.
• To undertake Weight Engineering tasks in support of the Company’s programmes for submarines and surface ships.
• Calculation and monitoring of weights and centres from the concept phase to delivery, use of CAD computer systems, preparing data for technical and production departments to assist them in unit movements, launch and undocking.
• To produce evidence in support of qualification, legislative requirements and safety justifications and provide specialist support for associated activities.
• To undertake peer reviews or checking / verification tasks as directed.
• To provide support to the Certificate of Design activities appropriate to the discipline.
• To articulate and present technical argument clearly, logically and simply
• To be able to access, have a clear understanding of and apply the Quality and HSandE Management System documentation e.g. Process Instructions, Workmanship Standards, Risk Assessments etc. applicable to your particular work scope and to obey all HSandE rules and control measures.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DELIVERABLES
• Issuing of Weight Budgets following concept phase.
• Regular reporting (as determined by contract) of weight and centre of gravity changes throughout the Design and Build phase.
• Support to Naval Architects and Production throughout the build leading to the Launch followed by the Trim and Incline activities.
• Calculations for mass attributes
• Ownership of a portion of the vessel with respect to weight management
• Monitoring of mass budgets
• Weights engineering representation at spatial and technical reviews and decision panels
• Build good working relationships with the appropriate system engineers
SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE and QUALIFICATIONS
• General knowledge of submarine or surface ship design standards and processes and the way in which the product is to be operated.
• Knowledge of Naval Architecture aspects relating to Weight, Buoyancy and Stability.
• A general understanding of the manufacturing, assembly, commissioning and testing processes used within the business.
• Basic understanding of the challenges posed by the environment that the product will be exposed to.
• Capable of achieving the appropriate Professional Institution membership level as detailed in the Role profile, supported by an honours degree or equivalent experience in an appropriate discipline.
• Knowledge of the capabilities and the most appropriate uses of specialised analysis tools.
• Knowledge or at least recognition of relevant engineering standards (including safety and environmental regulations).
• Recognition of the limits of own knowledge so that specialist support and development can be sought.
• Sufficient experience to be able to identify all the issues involved in area of responsibility.
• The correct recognition of the context of their work within the overall product.
• Proficient use of appropriate CAD system and Windows based applications

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Nuclear baseline training as per requirements of role