Principal Systems Engineer

Job Title\: Principal Systems Engineer

Location\: Frimley, Hybrid, 3 days on site weekly

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

Referral Bonus\: £5000

Grade\: S5

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE\: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

What you’ll be doing\:

In this role, you will provide technical ownership of CCS design, As the Technical Lead for the project you will support the Engineering manager to deliver in-service programmes and lead key design decisions. You will oversee project scope, manage design changes and work closely with stakeholders and suppliers to identify and address risks early. You will lead programme-level design reviews, coordinate stakeholders and manage design baselines while ensuring design governance is maintained and Certificates of Design are produced where required. You will also review and influence technical requirements and architecture to support effective system integration across sub-systems and specialist areas, while providing subject matter expertise in the integration, validation and verification of software intensive systems.

Core duties\:

• You'll have extensive experience in network or software engineering, ideally with a background in operations
• You'll have the ability to take the lead on technical matters and provide expert guidance
• You'll have Chartered Engineer status or be working towards it
• You'll have familiarity with DOORS and prior hands-on experience using it
• You'll have proven experience in change management processes

Essential Skills\:

• The ability to lead on technical issues
• Chartered Engineer or willing to achieve Chartership status
• Specialist knowledge in Combat systems would be preferable if specific to Submarines
• Knowledge and prior experience of DOORS
• Experience in Change management
• Systems Engineering (INCOSE) qualifications (desirable)
• Network or software engineering experience preferably ex-operator experience (desirable)

The In-Service Programme team\:

You will be joining the In-Service Programme team, working on the V Class, where you'll 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, you'll also collaborate with a wider group of around 30, engaging with a broad stakeholder network. This role demands 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?

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.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

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\: 17th August 2026