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 making a real impact on national security.
- Qualifications: Knowledge in systems engineering and radar technologies is essential.
- Other info: Part-time options available; collaborate with diverse engineering specialists.
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 youll 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 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 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 (Yeovil) employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer (Yeovil)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence and radar systems industry. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the tools and methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as IBM DOORS Next. Having hands-on experience or knowledge of these tools can set you apart during discussions with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in systems engineering, particularly any projects related to radar systems or similar technologies. Be ready to explain how you approached complex problems and the solutions you implemented.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate across disciplines by highlighting any past experiences where you worked with engineers from different specialisations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and integrate diverse teams effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer (Yeovil)
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.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical skills related to signal processing, system design analysis, and any experience with tools like IBM DOORS Next. This will show your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the role. Prepare to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical 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 from your past work where you developed solutions to complex engineering challenges, particularly in radar systems or similar fields. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with engineers from different specialisations. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams to achieve common goals, as this will highlight your ability to contribute to the team dynamic.