At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge communication systems for naval vessels and ensure technical excellence.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on naval communications while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and experience in communications systems design.
- Other info: Great prospects for career growth and relocation support available.
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: 11th March 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 (Millom) employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Communications (Millom)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at BAE Systems or in the defence sector on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure we can confidently discuss your experience with VOIP networks or audio systems, as these are key for the Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects, especially those related to communications systems or technical documentation.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Communications (Millom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer Communications role. Highlight your relevant experience in communications engineering and any specific projects that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills fit right into what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of naval communication systems and any relevant technical expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills and experiences, especially those related to VOIP networks, audio systems, and compliance with defence standards. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and practical experience in these areas!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around communications systems and audio engineering. Be ready to discuss your experience with VOIP networks or any relevant design projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Prepare Your Documentation
Since the role involves developing technical documentation, it’s a good idea to bring examples of your previous work. Whether it's specifications or user manuals, having these on hand can demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to communicate complex information clearly.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You’ll likely need to present findings to both internal stakeholders and external clients. Practise explaining your past projects and their outcomes in a clear and concise manner. This will help you feel more confident during the interview and showcase your communication skills.
✨Engage with the Team
This position involves collaboration with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with others in the past. Think of examples where you contributed to team success or helped resolve conflicts. Showing that you’re a team player can really set you apart.