Chief Project Engineer - Naval

Job Description

Job Title - Chief Project Engineer – Naval Gas Turbines

Location – Bristol / Hybrid

Working Pattern – Fulltime / Permanent

Position Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Chief Project Engineer to join the defence team based in Bristol.

The rapidly growing Naval Marine business is a unique opportunity in Rolls-Royce Defence to look across the product lifecycle, including business development support, NPI development, contracted customer requirement V&V, through to entry into service following commissioning.

The role is expected to contribute to programme strategy, driving product improvement and for providing technical direction to the programme on all engineering deliverables. 

The Chief Project Engineer will work with Project Programme Management, Engineering Programme Manager and Engineering Lead roles to ensure engineering efficacy in the programme/value stream teams.

What you will be doing

You will work closely with the Chief Engineer and other members of the WED. You will act as the primary interface for the product (MT30 & other naval programmes) on all technical issues with customers, operators, and programme integrators. You will also be required to work closely with the core engineering leadership as required to sustain engineering capability.

• Creating, evolving, and maintaining the product requirements through interfaces with the Customer (including shipyard) and business across the entire life cycle of the programme.
• Defining & estimating the technical programme of works that delivers a product that is fully compliant to all the product requirements & fully integrated with the other elements of the programme Work Breakdown Structure (supply chain, programme, Risk Revenue Sharing Partner etc.).
• Work with the programme management teams to ensure delivery of the optimised technical solution that satisfies all the product requirements (technical, business and schedule).
• Leading the change management process within engineering to ensure that the level of change and the incorporation of it are managed.
• Define and instruct the actions necessary to maintain the safe operation of engines/products..

Position Qualifications:

At Rolls-Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviours that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles and for this role we are looking for someone with:

• Business priorities change rapidly, we’re looking for a manager with experience of adapting and pivoting to the changing landscape.

• Enabling delivery through timely and high-quality team activities is key to our success.  We’re looking for an individual who is experienced in running effective project delivery teams.
• Building a capable, engaged workforce is critical to effective delivery.  We’re looking for a leader who enjoys supporting, mentoring and developing our people to fulfil their potential.
• Strong network across Defence and ET&S enterprise and ability to communicate and influence at all levels.
• Working knowledge of Naval Gas Turbine packages and commissioning is preferred.
• Experience of Risk & Opportunity management and realisation of project benefits
• Qualified to at least degree level
• Member of a professional body.
• Demonstrable experience in the management of projects / programmes of increasing complexity
• Has experience in all stages of a project lifecycle and has been responsible for the delivery of one or more of those stages.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with senior management.

Join us & Power Our Future

We are an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives. And the more perspectives we have, the more successful we’ll be. By building a culture of respect and appreciation, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

You can learn more about our global Diversity and Inclusion strategy here

So that you can be your best at work and home, we’ll consider flexible working arrangements for everyone, in any role. Click here for more details on how we can support you.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk.

The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.

Closing Date: 16th September 2026

People Leader – Kris Goode

Grade: Level C

For further information, please contact: Gauri Sood

Job Category

Validation and Verification

Posting Date

03 Sept 2026; 00:09

Posting End Date

16 Sept 2026