Principal Systems Engineer
Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer

Bristol Full-Time 60000 - 76000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
B

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Principal Systems Engineer, tackling real-world challenges in radar technology.
  • Company: BAE Systems is a global leader in defence, committed to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, enhanced leave, and employee discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in defence while growing your skills in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: A solid grasp of systems engineering principles and relevant technical knowledge is essential.
  • Other info: Flexible hours available; regular on-site collaboration required for project security.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 76000 £ per year.

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer Location: Cowes, Broad Oak, Great Baddow – Part time & accruing hours available. Please let us know if you would like to discuss these options Salary: Up to £75,900 (dependent on skills and experience) What you’ll be doing: Develop novel solutions to evolving technical challenges and emerging issues for complex Radar Systems that our customers and end-user communities are facing Apply a breadth of knowledge, skills and experience of Systems Engineering principles, techniques and governance to steer and develop technical solutions and resolve engineering issues Conduct system design analysis to manage trade-offs of system parameters to characterise and specify robust product design Lead the decomposition of requirements to system and sub-system level and manage these in an approved toolset such as IBM DOORS Next Be a technical focus point with a holistic understanding of a whole system solution leading analysis activities and system design decisions and providing guidance to own team Collaborate with specialists across different engineering disciplines including electronics, electrical, mechanical and software to direct and realise overarching system design solutions Direct and undertake system integration, test planning and execution Define and articulate system acceptance strategies and acceptance evidence demonstrating system performance across a wide range of operational scenarios to internal and external stakeholders Through these activities you will build your personal profile with senior stakeholders and grow a diverse knowledge base in engineering Your skills and experiences: A good understanding in some of the following subject areas; signal processing, target track extraction, object classification algorithms, system and sensor resource optimisation A good understanding of factors that can affect the real-world performance of sensing systems and how these can impact the accuracy and timeliness of measurements in order to meet challenging design objectives and requirements Demonstrates understanding and experience of Systems Engineering which could include knowledge of Systems Engineering standards (e.g., ISO 15288) Experience of presenting both technical and non-technical information in a formal setting 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 Radar Systems Engineering team: You will be working as a Principal Systems Engineer within our close-knit multi-function radar team of inter-disciplinary engineers, evolving our radar portfolio of existing and brand-new radar products to address emerging and future threats. This role is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and invest in your career journey within a global business. You will be supported in growing your knowledge in contemporary and cutting-edge Radar techniques, with opportunities to develop your skills and responsibilities in technical leadership In this role, you will be able to enjoy both flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Our workplace in Cowes is an easily accessible commute from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and BAE shuttle service from the ferry terminal to site. As the world has evolved, so has the way we work. Our working approach, will enable you to have flexibility with your working hours, depending on your role and location. This could include part time hours, accruing hours as well as flexibility around start and finish times, ensuring you can balance life at work, on site and life at home 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 19th 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. #LI-TP1 #LI-Onsite

Principal Systems Engineer employer: BAE Systems

BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, particularly for the Principal Systems Engineer role. With flexible working arrangements, a competitive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth in cutting-edge radar technology, employees are empowered to balance their work and personal lives while contributing to vital defence projects. The close-knit team culture fosters collaboration across disciplines, ensuring that every engineer can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the Future Air Dominance domain.
B

Contact Detail:

BAE Systems Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in radar systems and defence engineering. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those working in systems engineering. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the challenges they face.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise. Be ready to explain how you've applied systems engineering principles to overcome complex challenges.

✨Tip Number 4

Research BAE Systems' current projects and initiatives in radar technology. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their needs.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer

Systems Engineering Principles
Signal Processing
Target Track Extraction
Object Classification Algorithms
System and Sensor Resource Optimisation
ISO 15288 Knowledge
Technical Presentation Skills
Requirements Decomposition
System Design Analysis
Integration and Test Planning
Collaboration Across Engineering Disciplines
Acceptance Strategies Definition
Holistic System Understanding
Trade-off Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your understanding of Systems Engineering principles, as well as any specific knowledge in signal processing or radar systems.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the role. Mention how your background and skills make you a perfect fit for the Principal Systems Engineer position, particularly in relation to developing radar products.

Showcase Relevant Projects: Include examples of past projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex engineering challenges. Highlight any leadership roles or collaborative efforts with interdisciplinary teams, especially in systems integration and design.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial in engineering roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Principal Systems Engineer does, especially in the context of radar systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as signal processing and system design analysis.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in Systems Engineering, particularly any relevant projects or roles. Be ready to explain how your skills align with the requirements, such as managing trade-offs in system parameters or leading integration and test planning.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions that assess your understanding of Systems Engineering principles and standards. Brush up on ISO 15288 and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these standards in real-world scenarios.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working with various engineering disciplines, be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with teams. Highlight any instances where you successfully directed or contributed to multi-disciplinary projects.

Principal Systems Engineer
BAE Systems
Location: Bristol
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

B
  • Principal Systems Engineer

    Bristol
    Full-Time
    60000 - 76000 £ / year (est.)
  • B

    BAE Systems

    50,000+
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>