Principal Electrical Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Electrical Engineer

Location: Isle of Wight – Cowes, Portsmouth Broad Oak or Chelmsford – Great Baddow – Hybrid pattern

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £87,200 DOE + bonus scheme

Come and put yourself into a dynamic Principal Electrical Engineering role at the forefront of real world demands in the defence industry. Alongside ensuring operational excellence for our existing products, there will be the opportunity to develop next generation radar products to counter emerging threats and contribute to our strategy for new technology. Your new day-to-day will be exciting and diverse by applying the principles of Electrical Engineering across the entire engineering development lifecycle as you join in developing radar systems used by those who serve and protect us.

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.

Role description:

In this role, you will apply broad and deep electrical design expertise to create robust solutions for new products and for integrating modern technologies into legacy systems. You will lead the full design lifecycle, from initial concept through detailed development and delivery, resolving complex engineering challenges along the way. Acting as the technical authority for specific Line Replacement Units or sub‑systems, you will ensure designs meet performance, safety, and compliance requirements while supporting cross‑functional teams with clear, authoritative engineering guidance.

Core duties:

• Design AC/DC distribution systems, including sizing, protection, control, and specification of power supplies and converters
• Developing motor drives, control systems, positioning solutions, and bespoke procured hardware specifications
• Managing data links, protocols, networks, and EMC control, including analysis, verification, and test‑house support
• Performing design verification through simulation, analysis, and testing, and support complex system integration activities
• Producing and reviewing technical documentation and interface effectively with systems, mechanical, safety, logistics, and manufacturing teams
• Providing technical leadership, mentoring electrical engineers, contributing to bids, and promoting new technologies across programmes

Essential skills:

• Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering (or closely related discipline) with substantial component‑level design experience for volume production
• Experienced in high‑integrity environments, applying rigorous safety, compliance and engineering standards
• Considerable knowledge of IET Wiring Regulations, Low Voltage Directive, European electrical safety standards and EMC qualification requirements
• Extensive background in design proving, system integration, testing and defect resolution
• Skilled in gathering evidence to demonstrate acceptance, legislative compliance, safety and fitness for purpose
• Ability to apply a rigorous approach to high‑power and high‑voltage safety throughout design and verification activities

The Radar Systems Engineering team:

You will be working as a Principal Electrical Engineer within our close-knit multi-function radar team of inter-disciplinary engineers, evolving our radar portfolio of existing and brand-new radar products to address emerging and future threats.

Join us and help shape the future of Radar technology!

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: 17th April 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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