Systems Engineer: Photonics and Acoustics

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Great Baddow

Grade: GG09 – GG11

Location: Great Baddow

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

In Digital Intelligence the Defence Business Unit delivers solutions to complex multi-domain communication problems from the sea bed to outer space. We link information from operator, sensors, tactical systems, to provide fused information in a timely fashion to support decision making.

We provide advanced mission planning and logistics applications to ensure the delivery military effect. We are world leaders in communications, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, securing data for communication and processing and providing advanced training for the systems and platform that BAE Systems delivers.

The Innovation & Technology group within the Defence Business Unit is the research and technology arm of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence business. In partnership with the other businesses and educational establishments with whom we work, we innovate and develop to transform aspiration and vision into engineered reality.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and professional Engineer/Scientist into the Photonics and Acoustics Group based in Great Baddow, near Chelmsford, Essex.

The role is suitable for candidates ranging from Engineer through to Principal Engineer level. Responsibilities will be aligned to the successful candidate's skills, experience and demonstrated leadership capability, with opportunities to contribute to and lead technical work, projects, teams and business-winning activities.

The Photonics and Acoustics Group undertakes research and development in a range of areas that encompasses the use and application of photonics, acoustics, and other modalities to solve real-world engineering problems, including:

• Optical communications

• Multi-domain communications and networking

• Novel imaging systems

• Sensor systems

• Detection and classification of explosives

• Acoustics

About you:

You should ideally have experience in working on one or more of the above topics, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience in adjacent technologies and be motivated to work on the above.

The role would suit someone with a strong academic background, or who has worked in industry on the development of low TRL technologies, potentially taking them through to product. A higher degree or equivalent experience in Photonics, or a closely related engineering/physics subject, would be an advantage.

You will be expected to provide both technical and practical input into programmes, support bidding activities, and take an active role in securing future work. Depending on experience and grade, this may include technical leadership of significant projects, responsibility for project delivery, mentoring and development of junior staff, and providing technical oversight across multiple programmes and technology areas.

Candidates applying at Principal Engineer level should be able to demonstrate a track record of leading complex technical programmes, directing multi-disciplinary teams, influencing technical strategy, and successfully delivering research, development or engineering projects in collaboration with customers and stakeholders.

You must be able to attain UK SC clearance.

Skills/Experiences:

• A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Physics; Electronic/Electrical Engineering; or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.

• A background in physics, electrical engineering or a related discipline.

• Experience in systems integration, development, and prototyping.

• Solid grounding in engineering with experience in an engineering or technology based environment, working on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

• Member of a relevant professional body, preferably a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent, would be advantageous. Chartered status is strongly desirable for candidates considered at Principal Engineer level.

• Ability to assess and understand the impact of emerging technologies and how these can be applied to solve real-world problems.

• Highly motivated with the ability to quickly digest and apply new concepts and develop novel solutions to challenging problems.

• Able to understand, influence and talk with credibility (in terms of engineering principles) about areas of technology outside of own area of specific expertise.

• Good communication skills, able to present effectively to customers and at conferences if appropriate.

• Ability to work with customers or other stakeholders to capture requirements and highlight the risks and opportunities in a plan.

• Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, to lead teams or be an effective team member as required, whilst fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse viewpoints and promotes successful delivery.

• Continually build and maintain friendly, reciprocal, and warm relationships with networks of people who may be able to assist in business winning and delivery.

For applicants at a higher grade (Principal Engineer):

• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and direction on complex research, development or engineering programmes.

• Experience of leading the technical delivery of significant projects or work packages, including planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement and delivery to cost, schedule and performance requirements.

• Experience of leading, coaching, mentoring or supervising engineers and scientists, supporting their technical development and fostering effective team performance.

• Ability to identify, shape and secure new opportunities through customer engagement, bid support, proposal development and technology roadmapping.

• For Principal Engineer appointments, evidence of successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams and/or large projects, typically involving multiple stakeholders, significant technical complexity and project values of up to approximately £10m.

• Ability to influence technical strategy and investment decisions, ensuring alignment between technology development, customer needs and business objectives.

How we will support you:

• Work-life balance is important; you’ll get 25 days holiday a year and, via our flexible benefits package the option to buy/sell and carry over from the year before
• Our flexible benefits package includes; private medical and dental insurance, a competitive pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, taste cards and more
• Hybrid working
• Don’t know a particular technology? Your learning and development is key to your future career
• You’ll be part of our bonus scheme
• You are welcome to join any/all of our Diversity and Support groups. These groups cover everything from gender diversity to mental health and wellbeing.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.”

PLEASE NOTE: You're expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development. We know there may be individual circumstances that impact this, so please discuss this with your line manager or HR Business Partner (HRBP). If you don't feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

Should you be invited for interview, you will be giving consent for the Recruitment team to contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

This vacancy is eligible for the UK Employee Referral Scheme. Amount: £5000

Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

We are embracing Hybrid Working. This means you and your colleagues may be working in different locations, such as from home, another BAE Systems office or client site, some or all of the time, and work might be going on at different times of the day. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options available for this particular role’.

By embracing technology, we can interact, collaborate and create together, even when we’re working remotely from one another. Hybrid Working allows for increased flexibility in when and where we work, helping us to balance our work and personal life more effectively, and enhance well-being.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. We are proud to have an organisational culture where employees with varying perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds – the best and brightest minds – can work together to achieve excellence and realise individual and organisational potential.