At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in developing cutting-edge radar systems for the defence industry.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic team focused on real-world challenges and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, enhanced leave, and share incentive plans.
- Why this job: Make a difference by contributing to national security while growing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: A solid grasp of Systems Engineering principles and relevant technical knowledge is essential.
- Other info: Part-time options available; discuss your preferred working hours with us!
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
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Principal Systems Engineer (East Cowes) employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer (East Cowes)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence industry, especially those who work in systems engineering. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends and technologies in radar systems.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as IBM DOORS Next. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous projects that involved systems engineering principles. Be ready to explain how you approached complex challenges and what solutions you developed, as this will demonstrate your practical experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current radar products and any recent developments in the defence sector. Being knowledgeable about their work will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer (East Cowes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Systems Engineering, particularly in areas like signal processing and system design analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in developing radar systems and managing engineering issues.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Mention how your background aligns with the company's mission in the defence industry and your interest in contributing to radar technology.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your understanding of Systems Engineering principles and any experience with tools like IBM DOORS Next. Be sure to mention your ability to collaborate across different engineering disciplines, as this is crucial for the role.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to Systems Engineering and radar systems during the interview process. Brush up on key concepts and be ready to discuss how you have applied these in previous roles or projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, 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 technologies and challenges mentioned in the job description, such as signal processing and system design analysis.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your experience with Systems Engineering principles and how you've applied them in past projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've developed solutions to complex engineering problems, particularly in multi-function radar systems.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working with various engineering disciplines. Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully collaborated with teams from different backgrounds, such as electronics or software engineering, to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to present both technical and non-technical information, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in previous roles.