Principal Engineer – Combat Systems Engineering – External Communications

Job Title: Principal Engineer – Combat Systems Engineering – External Communications

Location: Frimley(Surrey), Broad Oak(Portsmouth) or Filton(Bristol), hybrid

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

Salary: up to £61,500 Depending 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.

What you will be doing:

The External Communications System (ECS) Principal Engineer will be able to apply their subject matter expertise in systems engineering practices, engineering management, and domain knowledge in supporting the Senior Engineering Manager (SEM), Technical Authority (TA) and Project Manager (PM) in delivering ECS to the submarine build programme. They will utilise their underpinning knowledge and understanding in engineering, combined with the relevant domain knowledge to develop and mature the overall project delivery and performance, as well as managing a team of experienced engineers.

Core duties:

• Engineering management of a team of engineers, from early careers through to experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), planning work packages, resource loading and general management across the team
• Development of the ECS design through systems engineering principles, including; architecture, requirements, concept solutions and interfaces to enable the development and production of the component sub-systems
• Understanding the contractual and performance requirements for communication products and sub-systems, and support the definition and associated acceptance criteria and events through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities
• Understanding and supporting the flow-down of requirements to suppliers and acceptance of their specific deliverables, ensuring it is captured and recorded appropriately
• Supporting the SEM, TA and PM in supporting bids, proposal development and project planning activities
• Providing technical support to integrated performance and acceptance activities, including acceptance of equipment from suppliers through to system acceptance by the customer
• Supporting the documentation of domain knowledge and pass on information and expertise in order to help grow the knowledge base within appropriate business teams

Your skills and experience:

• Leading/managing a team of engineers through complex design development, Invitation To Tenders (ITTs), and critical decision making
• Knowledge and experience in wireless communication systems and products in the maritime, defence and/or commercial domains and an understanding of how such systems are used and interact with the overall submarine build programme
• STEM-related degree or equivalent experience within the aerospace/defence/telecommunications/marine environment
• Knowledge of the complete engineering lifecycle with experience in operating in a number of the key lifecycle phases including requirements/system design, and integration and acceptance
• Have a good awareness of product safety and SHE
• Good communication skills and be able to present and interact with a variety of different stakeholders

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans and a wide range of flexible benefits. These include discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle options such as a green car scheme, private healthcare and shopping discounts. You may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The ECS Team:

The ECS team primarily focuses on designing, developing, and integrating the communications system on-board submarine platforms. As part of this growing team, you’ll explore innovative technologies and integrate them into cutting-edge designs. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

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 impact the roles you are eligible to perform.

All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, typically requiring 5–10 years of continuous UK residency depending on the level required.

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 with confidence and be empowered to be your best.

You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards that support your financial and personal wellbeing, alongside a balanced lifestyle. In a culture built on shared purpose and sustainable ways of working, you’ll find a place where you truly belong and can be proud of the difference you make.

Closing Date: 19th August 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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