At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse software products and develop support strategies for innovative engineering projects.
- Company: BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and employee share plans.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in C&I or PLC ecosystems, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Other info: Relocation support available and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Support Engineer (Software)
Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Filton or Brough. 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
- Using BAES processes, analyse software products (COTS, Bespoke, Modified COTS) and derive software support strategies
- Reviewing software source documentation, interpret technical information and derive written recommendations on how best to support the software product through life via the production of system level software support case reports
- Supporting stakeholder engagement and attend collaboration working groups in support of BAES scope of work for maintenance design (software)
- Providing software SME advice to the wider ILS community, and support mapping activity between the BAE software analysis outputs and other key ILS stakeholders and their support outputs
- Carrying out internal assurance of team outputs
- Supporting with ad-hoc technical queries
- Facilitating working groups / workshops in relation to technical queries
Your skills and experiences
Essential:
- Degree or equivalent skills knowledge and experience in the C&I (control & instrumentation), PLC (programmable logic control) ecosystems and software support discipline
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent IT skills
- The ability to analyse complex problems specifically related to software support, and identify the most critical support related issues
Desirable:
- Understanding of JSP 935, DefStan 00-055, IEC 61508, DLF SSE GP.2.11
- Knowledge of LCM (Lifecycle management)
- Understanding of ILS (integrated Logistics support)
- Knowledge of software development lifecycle
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 Support Engineering Team:
This role will utilise best practice, professional engineering judgement and initiative to undertake tasks in production of system and equipment level software analysis and software support reports. The analysis will be undertaken in accordance with BAE processes. Activities will be undertaken working alone or in a team, with the support and guidance of the Engineering Manager if required. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to 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: 20th October 2025
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 – Support Engineering (RCM – Software Support) employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Support Engineering (RCM – Software Support)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at BAE Systems on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the software support strategies mentioned in the job description. Show us you understand the complexities of COTS and bespoke software – we love candidates who can think critically!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since excellent verbal and written communication is essential, try explaining complex software concepts to a friend. The clearer you are, the better you'll shine in interviews.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Support Engineering (RCM – Software Support)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in software support and the specific skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We love a good, organised presentation!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase your experience with C&I, PLC ecosystems, and any relevant software support disciplines. We’re keen to see how you’ve tackled complex problems in the past, so share those examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the software products relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of COTS, bespoke systems, and modified COTS. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've analysed or supported these types of software will show your expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. This will help you engage effectively with stakeholders during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to control & instrumentation, PLC ecosystems, and software support disciplines. Review key concepts and be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving abilities. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
BAE Systems values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you’ve facilitated workshops or contributed to group projects. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will align with their inclusive culture.