Principal Systems Engineer – Software/Simulation in Portsmouth

hackajob is collaborating with BAE Critical Skills to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Location: Portsmouth – Broad Oak – 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 £75,900 (dependent on skills and 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.

Role Description: As a Principal Systems Engineer within the MIMESIS team, you will have technical responsibility for the design and development of new modules/content for the product, reviewing and approving lower level documentation. You will also provide technical guidance to the engineering team, working closely with System Design Authority, to develop and support MIMESIS for our customers. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join a growing team of approximately 30 systems and software engineers, working to shape the next generation of maritime simulation through the adoption of new user interface capabilities such as AR/XR and leveraging the capabilities of emerging technologies such as AI.

Core Duties:

• Provide hands-on technical leadership with a team of systems and software engineers, and directly support the product System Design Authority.
• Apply the principles of Systems Engineering to develop software-based Simulation Systems across the full engineering lifecycle.
• Undertake Simulation Systems equipment design, network design and software design.
• Lead requirement decomposition and manage specifications using tools like IBM DOORS Next.
• Direct architectural modelling and interface definitions in tools such as CATIA Magic (Cameo).
• Drive system integration and define acceptance strategies for software-based systems.
• Lead technical reviews and ensure compliance with customer, legislative & business requirements.

Essential Skills:

• You’ll have demonstrable experience in the application of Systems Engineering for software-based products.
• You’ll hold expertise in Systems Engineering and Software integration lifecycle principles (ISO 15288 and 12207).
• You’ll have a strong background in requirements management (e.g., IBM DOORS Next – desirable).
• You’ll be familiar with engineering lifecycle models (Waterfall & Agile) and tools (e.g., JIRA).
• You’ll have a background in software development and integration.
• You’ll have technical leadership experience and the ability to guide teams across disciplines to shape design solutions.

Benefits: As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

MIMESIS Product team: You will join our Simulation and Training sector at Broad Oak Works Portsmouth, part of BAE Systems Maritime and Land working on our MIMESIS product. MIMESIS provides a battlespace simulation of the maritime world; from terrain and seabed, to weather and underwater acoustics, accurately modelling the movement and behaviour of ships, submarines and other platforms, and digitally replicating their unique capabilities (sonars, radars, weapons).

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: 29th May 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.