Principal Software Engineer (Control Systems)

hackajob is collaborating with BAE Critical Skills to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

Location: Barrow-In-Furness, onsite. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: circa £58,000

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: You will be able to translate functional requirements into robust, detailed software designs, and ensure these are thoroughly tested as part of an integrated system solution. You should be a self-starter, comfortable working independently with minimal supervision, and capable of driving work forward with a high degree of ownership. The role requires proven experience in delivering products across the full engineering design lifecycle, from initial concept through to implementation, integration, and validation.

Core duties:

• Working to recognised industry standards to produce innovative, high quality control systems software products
• Working within a multi-disciplined team, utilising a variety of tools and programming languages (SCL, Ladder, CTRL), engaging in all aspects of the software development cycle
• Taking responsibility for your own and others work as well as providing technical assistance to support the development of junior members of the team
• Leading during assurance and review activities ensuring that all required configuration, release and documentation activities have been produced in accordance with the relevant standards
• Translate functional requirements into software designs, implement and test solutions, and manage integration, configuration, release, and deployment of the product

Essential Skills:

• Degree in Software Engineering Instrumentation and Control Engineering, or related subject
• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution or demonstratable competence aligned with chartered status
• Knowledge of one or more software development lifecycles (i.e. Agile, V model)
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and/or WinCC OA
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g. IEC 61508-3, 61511, 62443, 61131) is advantageous

The PMS C&I Software team: We predominantly supply to the UK MoD, supporting national efforts in underwater superiority. Our team is responsible for the design, build and/or procurement of major electronic and complex software systems on submarines, alongside providing test, integration and support services. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile submarine engineering programmes, engaging with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence.

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 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.