Principal Engineer – Above Water Surveillance in Surrey

Location: Frimley

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

Salary: Competitive

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.

What you’ll be doing:

You will provide specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise to develop the functional design of the Above Water Surveillance system, whilst defining the systems architecture, components, interfaces and data to enable development and production of the component sub-systems. This will be followed with reporting of contractual and performance requirements for communication products and sub-systems associated with acceptance criteria through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities.

You will support the flow down of requirements to suppliers and manage the acceptance of deliverables, whilst providing specialist technical support for installation, integration and commissioning to combat system engineers.

Core duties:

• You will need to have gained experience within team leadership and mentorship.
• You will be required to hold good knowledge and experience in Above Water Surveillance systems and products in the maritime, defence or commercial domains.
• You will need a strong understanding of how such systems are used and interact with the submarine build programme.
• You will require knowledge of the engineering lifecycle with experience in requirements, system design, integration and acceptance.
• You will hold a strong awareness of product safety and SHE aspects.

The Above Water Surveillance Team:

This is an exciting time to join the team, working closely with emerging technologies and systems to develop the functional design of Above Water Surveillance Systems. You will contribute to major UK defence programmes and engage with key stakeholders. There will be strong opportunities for training, development and career progression. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarine 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: 1st April 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.