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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of advanced communication systems for submarines.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and employee share plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse team while working on cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: STEM degree or equivalent experience in aerospace, defence, or telecommunications.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and relocation support available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
What you’ll be doing
- Define and develop the ECS design through systems engineering principles, including architecture, requirements, concept solutions and interfaces to enable the development and production of the component sub-systems.
- Understand the contractual and performance requirements for communication products and sub-systems, and support the definition and associated acceptance criteria and events through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities.
- Understand and support the flow-down of requirements to suppliers and acceptance of their specific deliverables, ensuring it is captured and recorded appropriately.
- Support the EM and PM in supporting bids, proposal development and project planning activities.
- Provide technical support to integrated performance and acceptance activities, including acceptance of equipment from suppliers through to system acceptance by the customer.
- Support the documentation of domain knowledge and pass on information and expertise to help grow the knowledge base within appropriate business teams.
Your skills and experiences
- Knowledge and experience in wireless communication systems and products in the maritime, defence and/or commercial domains and an understanding of how such systems are used and interact with the overall submarine build programme.
- STEM-related degree or equivalent experience within the aerospace/defence/telecommunications/marine environment.
- Knowledge of the complete engineering lifecycle with experience in operating in a number of the key lifecycle phases including requirements/system design, and integration and acceptance.
- Have a strong awareness of product safety and SHE.
- Good communication skills and be able to present and interact with a variety of different stakeholders.
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 ECS Team
The ECS team primarily focuses on designing, developing, and integrating the communications system on-board submarine platforms. As part of this growing team, you’ll explore innovative technologies and integrate them into cutting-edge designs. 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.
Security and Export Controls
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
10th 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.
Principal Engineer - Combat Systems Engineering (External Communications) employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Combat Systems Engineering (External Communications)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at BAE Systems. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the ECS design principles. Brush up on your knowledge of wireless communication systems and be ready to discuss how they fit into the submarine build programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially around system design and integration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Combat Systems Engineering (External Communications)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with wireless communication systems and the engineering lifecycle. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or roles where you’ve worked on communication products or sub-systems. We love seeing concrete examples of your technical prowess and problem-solving abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences, as we appreciate good communication skills right from the start!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems
✨Know Your Systems Engineering
Make sure you brush up on systems engineering principles, especially as they relate to communication products. Be ready to discuss how you've defined and developed designs in the past, and how you can apply that knowledge to the ECS design.
✨Understand the Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the complete engineering lifecycle, particularly the phases of requirements/system design, integration, and acceptance. Be prepared to share examples of your experience in these areas and how they relate to the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication skills are essential for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can present complex technical information to various stakeholders, and be ready to demonstrate this during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Wireless Systems
Highlight your experience with wireless communication systems, especially in maritime or defence contexts. Be specific about how these systems interact with submarine build programmes and be prepared to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on.
