At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative radar systems to tackle real-world challenges.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive salary, and extensive health perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of radar technology for global security.
- Qualifications: Knowledge in systems engineering and radar technologies is essential.
- Other info: Part-time options available; perfect for students seeking hands-on experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 76000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer
Location: Frimley. 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 youll be doing:
- Provide oversight and technical ownership of CCS design, leading design decisions and supporting the Engineering Manager in delivering in-service programmes
- Ensure technical leadership by controlling project scope, managing design changes, and engaging stakeholders and suppliers to identify risks early
- Lead programme-level design reviews, coordinate stakeholders, manage design baselines and voids, and produce Certificates of Design while ensuring design governance
- Review and influence technical requirements and architectural design to ensure system integration, covering sub-systems and specialist domains for subcontractor design, development, and qualification
- Provide specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise in the integration, validation and verification of systems
Your skills and experiences:
Essential:
- Extensive experience in network or software engineering, ideally with a background in operations
- Ability to take the lead on technical matters and provide expert guidance
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards
- Specialist expertise in Combat Systems, particularly in relation to submarines, would be advantageous
- Familiarity with DOORS and prior hands-on experience using it
- Proven experience in change management processes
Desirable:
- Systems Engineering (INCOSE) qualifications
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 team:
You will be joining the In-Service Programme team, working on the V Class, where youll thrive in a fast-paced environment, delivering high-quality results within tight enterprise timelines. As part of a medium-sized core team of 6-12, youll also collaborate with a wider group of around 30, engaging with a broad stakeholder network. This role demands strong technical leadership, owning challenges, proactively solving problems, and working with the right stakeholders to drive solutions forward. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where youll be able to make a real difference. Youll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where youll 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: 24th 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 (Farnborough) employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer (Farnborough)
✨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 field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence industry, especially those who work in systems engineering. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively across different engineering disciplines. This will highlight your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's current projects and initiatives in radar technology. Being able to speak knowledgeably about our work will set you apart and show that you're proactive and engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer (Farnborough)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Systems Engineering, particularly in radar systems or similar fields. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the defence industry and your understanding of the challenges faced in radar systems. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
Showcase Technical Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and any relevant standards like ISO 15288. Provide examples of how you've applied these in past roles.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss both technical and non-technical aspects of your experience. Prepare to explain complex concepts clearly, as you may need to present to diverse stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Principal Systems Engineer, especially in relation to radar systems. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what the company is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of Systems Engineering principles and relevant technical areas such as signal processing and system design analysis. Highlight any experience you have with tools like IBM DOORS Next, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage requirements effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you've developed solutions to complex engineering challenges or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves presenting technical information to various stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated both technical and non-technical information in previous roles, showcasing your ability to engage with diverse audiences.