Principal Engineer - Combat Systems (External Communications) in Frimley

Combat Systems Engineer (External Communications System (ECS) Submarines)

Location: Southern sites (Frimley, Filton, Devonport) - We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide specialist knowledge and Subject Matter Expertise (SME), to assist in the development and integration of emergent equipment/systems into the submarine ECS baseline design.
• Support equipment/system associated acceptance and qualification criteria of the ECS through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning phases, through the Life Cycle Management (LCM) process. To include full adherence to the CADMID framework as used in Defence Acquisition.
• Produce documentation required to support the design review process, including technical specifications, design evidence and justification.
• Provide specialist technical support to the system integrator for the Combat System Development and Integration Facility and platform installations, including commissioning and Setting to Work (STW) activities.
• Provide engineering assistance, guidance and recommendations relating to equipment/system maintenance routines and supporting submarine platform operational defect rectification.
• Provide technical guidance to other combat system engineers, specialist engineering services and support the engineering management team in planning and controlling specialist activities.

Your skills and experiences:

• Thorough understanding of LCM principles and process management.
• Degree qualified or equivalent level of relevant experience.
• Robust awareness of Product Safety and SHE.
• Experience with engaging with MoD and industry stakeholders.
• Knowledge of External Communications Systems (ECS) in the maritime defence domain.
• Knowledge of systems integration and commissioning.

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 In-Service ECS Team: As part of the In-service ECS Engineering Team, this role will include regular engagement with a variety of departments, including key stakeholders within BAE and the MoD in order to provide development and delivery of the final product to meet the customer's requirements. You will also be supporting the ECS Technical Authority (TA) that provides system assurance of the common External Communications System (CECS) for both Vanguard and Astute class submarines. This role offers a great opportunity for further professional development supporting UK defence to build a lasting career.

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: 5th January 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. Due to the festive season, there may be a delay in the processing of your application. Your application is important to us, and we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.