Senior Mission System Architect – Network & Data Communications

Job Title: Senior Mission System Architect – Network & Data Communications

Location: Portsmouth (Broad Oak) or Frimley, Filton, Dorchester, hybrid – 3 days on site – this role will require routine travel to other southern BAE sites within UK and occasionally internationally.

Salary: Up to £89, 520 dependent 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’ll be doing:

As a Senior Mission System Architect (Network & Data Communications), you will lead the design and assurance of network-centric mission system architectures that enable information exchange across complex, dynamic and disaggregated maritime environments. You will define secure, resilient and interoperable communications and data strategies that support Hybrid Navy objectives and force-level operations. Collaborating with customers, programmes, suppliers and industry partners, you will influence architectural direction, establish technical standards and ensure future-ready solutions are aligned with operational requirements. Your work will help deliver connected, data-driven mission capabilities across current and future increasingly autonomous maritime platforms

Core duties:

• Lead network and data communications architecture strategy.
• Define resilient, secure and interoperable communications and networking solutions.
• Establish data models, protocols and integration standards.
• Embed cyber security and assurance within architectural designs.
• Champion open architectures, interfaces and digital engineering methodologies.
• Influence customers and stakeholders on network-enabled capability development.

Essential skills:

• A degree in Engineering (or a related subject)
• Full membership of an appropriate engineering institution and be a Chartered Engineer (or actively working towards).
• Extensive experience in defence networking, communications and system-of-systems architecture.
• Strong expertise in data architectures, cyber security and digital engineering

Combat System Engineering Team:

Within the dynamic and rapidly expanding Naval Ships Combat Systems business, you will form part of a highly skilled team of system architects charged with shaping the future of maritime mission systems. Working across domestic and international programmes alongside enterprise partners, in bringing to bear your specialist expertise, you will ensure that candidate solutions are innovative, future-force-ready, operationally relevant and coherent with customer and business needs.

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:22nd September 2026, interviews for this role will take place w/c12th October

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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