At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Principal Systems Engineer, tackling real-world challenges in radar technology.
- Company: BAE Systems is a global leader in defence, committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, enhanced leave, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in defence while growing your skills in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: A solid grasp of systems engineering principles and relevant technical knowledge is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; regular on-site collaboration required for project security.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 76000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer
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: Negotiable dependant on experience
What you’ll be doing:
- Provide oversight and technical ownership of CCS design, leading design decisions and supporting the Engineering Manager in delivering in-service programmes
- Ensure technical leadership by controlling project scope, managing design changes, and engaging stakeholders and suppliers to identify risks early
- Lead programme-level design reviews, coordinate stakeholders, manage design baselines and voids, and produce Certificates of Design while ensuring design governance
- Review and influence technical requirements and architectural design to ensure system integration, covering sub-systems and specialist domains for subcontractor design, development, and qualification
- Provide specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise in the integration, validation and verification of systems
Your skills and experiences:
Essential:
- Extensive experience in network or software engineering, ideally with a background in operations
- Ability to take the lead on technical matters and provide expert guidance
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards
- Specialist expertise in Combat Systems, particularly in relation to submarines, would be advantageous
- Familiarity with DOORS and prior hands-on experience using it
- Proven experience in change management processes
Desirable:
- Systems Engineering (INCOSE) qualifications
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.
The team:
You will be joining the In-Service Programme team, working on the V Class, where you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, delivering high-quality results within tight enterprise timelines. As part of a medium-sized core team of 6-12, you’ll also collaborate with a wider group of around 30, engaging with a broad stakeholder network. This role demands strong technical leadership, owning challenges, proactively solving problems, and working with the right stakeholders to drive solutions forward. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
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 of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and 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 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: 24th February 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.
#LI-SC1
#LI-Hybrid
Principal Systems Engineer employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in radar systems and defence engineering. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those working in systems engineering. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've applied systems engineering principles in past projects. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your contributions on project outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research BAE Systems' current projects and initiatives in radar technology. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your understanding of Systems Engineering principles, as well as any specific knowledge in signal processing or radar systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the role. Mention how your background and skills make you a perfect fit for developing radar systems in the defence industry.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects related to radar systems or Systems Engineering, be sure to include these in your application. Describe your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your capabilities.
Highlight Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasise your ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present information effectively. These soft skills are crucial for the Principal Systems Engineer role and should be evident in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Principal Systems Engineer does, especially in the context of radar systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as signal processing and system design analysis.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences that align with the requirements of the role. Highlight any relevant projects where you've applied Systems Engineering principles, particularly in complex environments or defence-related fields.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to Systems Engineering standards and practices. Brush up on ISO 15288 and be ready to explain how you've used these standards in past projects, as well as your understanding of system performance factors.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with various engineering disciplines, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve led or contributed to cross-functional projects, emphasising your communication skills.