At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise innovative hardware solutions for cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible health benefits, and employee share plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety-critical projects with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Degree in electronics engineering and experience in digital/analogue technologies.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Rochester
Salary: £55,000 to £65,000 per annum
What you'll be doing:
- Executing complex hardware design tasks in accordance with the hardware development plan, whilst meeting agreed timescales and allocated budgets
- Conducting hardware requirements capture, preliminary design, detailed design including a range of analysis tasks
- Adopting an innovative approach to design and identifying improvements to working practices
- Working with other disciplines within an integrated team to optimise solutions and minimise impacts from dependencies
- Providing technical guidance and support to the development and delivery of all aspects of digital &/or analogue electronics solutions
- Coaching & developing the skills of junior team members
- Delivering design artefacts in accordance with company and industry standards
Your skills and experiences:
Essential:
- Degree/HND in electronics engineering or an equivalent qualification
- Proven knowledge and experience of digital &/or analogue electronics technologies
- Experience of working through the engineering development lifecycle, from concept to product certification
- Ability to demonstrate a good appreciation of cost and schedule constraints on designs, to meet programme needs
- Capable of providing robust engineering judgement in all phases of the engineering development lifecycle
- Robust understanding of product design and work package control
Desirable:
- Mentor Graphics Expedition Enterprise
- Analogue simulations tools, such as Simetrix or Spice
- System development tools, such as Enterprise Architect, Matlab, Simulink
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 Hardware Team:
As a Senior/ Principal Hardware Engineer you will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to formulate and optimise innovative hardware engineering solutions, for products such as Helmet Mounted & Head-Up Displays, Mission Computers, Flight Controls, Active Inceptors, and other associated safety-critical technology. This role will provide you with the opportunity to work with innovating cutting-edge projects as a member of a very experienced diverse team, with the view to progressing your career in this industry.
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: 18th 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.
Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hardware engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Practice common interview questions related to hardware design and be ready to showcase your innovative approach to engineering challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at BAE Systems and tailor your application to highlight how your skills match their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with digital and analogue electronics. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer role.
Showcase Your Projects: Include examples of complex hardware design tasks you've executed in the past. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges and delivered innovative solutions, so don’t hold back on the details!
Highlight Teamwork: Since this role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, emphasise your collaborative experiences. Share how you’ve optimised solutions and supported your colleagues in previous projects.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so head over to our website and apply as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of digital and analogue electronics technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that align with the role's requirements. This will show your depth of understanding and experience in the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Process
Prepare to walk through your engineering development lifecycle experiences. Highlight how you've tackled complex design tasks, managed budgets, and met deadlines. Use examples that showcase your innovative approach and ability to optimise solutions within a multidisciplinary team.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves coaching junior team members, be prepared to discuss your mentoring experiences. Share specific instances where you've helped others develop their skills, and explain how you approach teaching complex concepts in hardware design.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research BAE Systems' values and culture before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around diversity and inclusion. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company as a whole.