Principal Engineer – Combat Systems Engineering (External Communications)

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Engineer (External Communications Integration)

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. On-Site.

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

Salary: Negotiable dependant on 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:

In this role, you will provide specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise to support the development of the functional design for external communications systems. You will have the opportunity to operate the equipment directly and work closely with ship staff onboard, supporting training activities and the handover of the system once it has reached maturity.

Core duties:

• Maturing the external communications sub-system on the submarine from build to test
• Undertaking test and trial events on the submarine
• Working with subcontractors to come to site to undertake test events. (You will be responsible for managing the visit – submitting security forms, health and safety briefs, on the boat etc.)
• Defect investigation or non-conformities. (installation or testing) Investigate to a resolution
• Being able to define the systems architecture, components, interfaces and data to enable the development and production of the component sub systems
• Understanding the contractual and performance requirements for external communications systems, and support the definition and associated acceptance criteria and events through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities

Essential Skills:

• Experience in Field Engineering/Construction Engineering previously, within a test and commissioning background, including taking part in test and trial events
• Domain specialist within communications systems
• Relevant experience in fault finding role
• Electrical / electronic experience

The Build Integration – External Communications team:

This team oversee installation and test of the Combat System on the build boats. This role is specifically External Communication – working with the operations department to install kit, bringing subcontractors in and other specialists to undertake installation or test activity throughout the lifecycle of the build up to exit.

We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

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: 27th 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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