Chief Software Engineer

Job Title: Chief Software Engineer

Location: Rochester – Onsite

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum dependent on skills and experience

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 the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, 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.

Job Description:

This role provides discipline expertise across the full Engineering lifecycle, supporting product realisation for the entire Rochester portfolio. Reporting to the Head of Systems and Software Engineering, the role guides technical direction, strengthens engineering practices, and ensures robust software delivery from concept through production. It plays a key part in shaping solution architectures and influencing bid strategies.

The role offers proactive coaching to engineers at all levels, supporting software execution planning, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis. It also contributes to developing technical strategies, improving delivery effectiveness, and ensuring engineering teams are equipped to meet programme demands. If you want a tighter or more senior‑leaning version, choose to refine tone or expand responsibilities.

Core duties:

• You will be keeping up to date with key technology developments and roadmaps relating to the disciplines
• You will be proactively engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that discipline processes and approaches support product realisation strategies
• You will be developing and maintaining internal and external relationships with technology strategic partners, customers and working groups
• You will be supporting the execution of development programmes by providing proactive coaching and promoting sound engineering practices with consideration of cost/schedule impacts
• You will be contributing to the application and evolution of Rochester Engineering with other Chief Functional Engineers within the group
• You will championing the adoption of site wide Engineering change programmes such as Model Based Engineering and Digital Transformation
• You will provide mentoring & guidance to engineers whilst working towards IET chartership

Essential Skills:

• You will have deep technical understanding of Software and the Software Development Lifecycle
• You will have evidence of coaching Engineers in their career journeys
• You will have understanding of DO-178 and its applicability to the software development lifecycle at various Design Assurance Levels (DALs)
• You will have a Degree or equivalent in an engineering related discipline
• You will be a Chartered Engineer or equivalent status

The Software Engineering Team:

You will be working as part of a team of experienced, passionate and innovative engineers creating world-leading control and display systems. This is an extremely exciting and challenging role and will present the opportunity to design products for the world’s most advanced commercial and military fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 20th July 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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