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- Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge communications systems for naval vessels.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive health and lifestyle benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that offers significant professional development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and experience in communications systems design.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Engineer – Communications
Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role
Salary: Competitive
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the design and delivery of communications and audio systems for naval vessels, including defining system requirements and design standards to develop effective technical solutions
- Developing comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, user manuals, and design calculations, to ensure alignment with performance requirements
- Defining testing protocols and providing on-site support for dockside installation and system commissioning activities
- Evaluating test and qualification results for compliance with technical requirements and presenting finding to both internal stakeholders and external clients
- Conducting technical development studies to verify and validate that system designs meet specified requirements
- Contributing technical expertise to engineering and project teams, supporting accurate cost estimation, technical risk assessments, and mitigation strategies
- Supporting Factory Acceptance Testing of system equipment at supplier facilities, as required
Your skills and experiences:
Essential:
- BEng/BSc and/or MEng/MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as, or equivalent experience in:
Communications Engineering; Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Acoustics / Audio Engineering / Audio Technology, Technical Report writing skills
- A detailed understanding of at least of one of the following disciplines:
Design and deployment of Voice Over IP (VOIP) networks; Deployment of Private Branch Exchange systems, Acoustics Modelling and Simulation, Speech Quality Analysis, Design of Public Address or Voice Alarm or Installed Sound Systems, Design of audio distribution systems, Design of trunked radio systems, Design of military tactical communications systems, Design of communications systems for safety critical applications, Design and installation of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres
- Proven track record of system or equipment design
Desirable:
- CEng (or be able to work towards satisfying requirements for Chartership) with an accredited institution
- Knowledge and experience in defence standards
- Knowledge and experience of classification society rules, International and UK marine equipment legislation
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 Submarine Communications team:
As a Principal Engineer – Communications, you will collaborate with the internal communications design team to undertake a variety of design activities related to data networks, communication systems, and associated equipment for Submarine platforms.
This position offers significant exposure across the organisation, providing the opportunity to engage with a broad range of stakeholders at all levels. It presents excellent prospects for professional development, both in advancing technical expertise (e.g. toward Consultant Engineer roles) and in progressing into engineering leadership positions. We offer relocation support across all Submarine 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: 25th 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.
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Principal Engineer – Communications employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their communication systems and recent developments in naval technology. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical explanations! Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role of Principal Engineer – Communications. Clear communication of complex ideas is key, so make sure you can articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at BAE Systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in communications engineering. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Technical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of technical documentation and system design, be sure to include specific examples of your past work. We love seeing detailed descriptions of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those related to VOIP networks or audio systems.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read and understand.
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 your materials in as soon as you can through our website. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of communications systems, especially in areas like VOIP networks and audio distribution systems. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the role, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve technical problems or evaluate system designs. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Documentation Skills
Since the role involves creating technical documentation, be prepared to discuss your experience with writing specifications and user manuals. Bring examples if possible, as this will highlight your attention to detail and communication skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires collaboration with various teams. Think about how you've successfully worked with different stakeholders in the past and be ready to share those experiences. This will illustrate your teamwork abilities and adaptability.
