Principal Systems Engineer

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer

Location: Cowes, Broad Oak, Great Baddow, onsite

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Up to £75,900 (dependent on skills and experience)

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

You will develop innovative solutions to evolving technical inquires across multi-layered radar systems, addressing the needs of customers and end users. Using broad systems engineering knowledge, techniques, and governance, you will guide technical decision‑making and resolve engineering issues effectively.

You will perform system design analysis, balancing system parameters to define robust product designs. You will also support the decomposition of requirements into system and sub‑system levels, guiding these within approved toolsets such as IBM DOORS Next to ensure clarity, traceability, and consistent delivery.

Core duties:

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

Essential Skills:

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

The Radar Systems Engineering team:

You’ll join a close‑knit, multi‑function radar team, working with interdisciplinary engineers to evolve our portfolio of existing and next‑generation radar products that address emerging threats. This is an opportunity to grow your experience in advanced radar techniques while developing your technical skills within a global organisation.

Our Cowes site offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, supported by convenient transport links from Southampton, including a frequent foot‑passenger ferry and BAE shuttle service. With adaptable working hours and options for part‑time or adjusted start/finish times, you can balance on‑site collaboration with life at home.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

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: 8th April 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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