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: Competitive salary, flexible health benefits, employee share plans, and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety-critical technology with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Degree in electronics engineering and experience in digital/analogue technologies.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports personal growth.
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 (Tonbridge) employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer (Tonbridge)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in hardware design and development.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer (Tonbridge)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior/Principal Hardware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with digital and analogue electronics, and don’t forget to mention any innovative design approaches you've taken in past projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about hardware engineering and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with the engineering development lifecycle.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaboration at StudySmarter! In your application, share examples of how you’ve worked within multidisciplinary teams. Highlight any mentoring experiences you have, as we value coaching junior team members.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 prepared 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.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex hardware design tasks. Highlight your innovative approaches and any improvements you've made to working practices. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively under pressure.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, be sure to discuss your experience collaborating with other disciplines. Share specific instances where your teamwork led to optimised solutions, as this will illustrate your ability to work effectively in an integrated environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to the engineering development lifecycle and product design. Brush up on tools like Mentor Graphics Expedition Enterprise and simulation tools such as Simetrix or Spice. Being well-prepared will help you answer confidently and showcase your expertise.