Systems Engineer
Summary
A systems engineer at Portsmouth Naval Base supporting BAE Systems' Warship Technical Authority, applying systems thinking to warship support challenges: requirements elicitation and modelling, integration, trade-offs, risk and verification, using Model-Based Systems Engineering tools such as Enterprise Architect. Hybrid/flexible working at Portsmouth Naval Base.
Job Title\: Systems Engineer
Location\: Portsmouth Naval Base
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Referral Scheme\: £1,000
Grade\: GG09
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.
Job Description\:
This position sits within the Systems Engineering Hub, which is part of the wider Warship Technical Authority (WTA) Service Hub. The WTA aims to deliver Naval whole ship, systems and equipment engineering support and change management.
The position will be part of a high performing Systems Engineering team, which works across the Defence Solutions, and other Business Units. They will be required primarily to support the Principal and Senior Engineers, to deliver on-going contracted deliverables, and, when necessary, deliver tailored systems engineering services to the Asset Management Service Hubs, which comprises of warship Platform Management, Maintenance Management, Supply Chain, Data and Digital.
The position is designed to provide a breadth of experience across the Asset Management organisation, through the application of systems engineering tools and principles in a warship support domain.
Apply systems thinking to complex challenges, collaborating across teams to deliver tailored systems engineering services, including integration, process and requirements modelling, and stakeholder requirements management across the lifecycle.
You will engage diverse stakeholders, support trade-offs, risk and verification activities, and use Model-Based Systems Engineering tools (e.g. Enterprise Architect) to define and communicate systems effectively.
Core duties\:
- Applying Systems Thinking to complex system challenges
- Working with multiple Asset Management Service Hubs and the wider WTA to tailor and deliver the Systems Engineering capabilities and services as required, examples include warship systems and equipment integration, process modelling, requirements modelling and elicitation
- Assisting Principal and Senior Engineers in providing stakeholder requirements elicitation, analysis and management to ensure systems engineering deliverables are developed to satisfy stakeholder needs
- Understanding and applying strategies around system development across a typical lifecycle, from requirement elicitation through to qualification, including integration, verification and validation activities
- Supporting identification of system emergent properties, trade-offs, optimisation, risk management and verification activities
- Liaising with multiple internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient engagement in support of system realisation
- Utilising Model Based Systems Engineering Tools (e.g. Enterprise Architect) to capture system definition
Essential Skills\:
- Experience of V-model or the full product lifecycle
- Developing Systems Engineering experience and exposure to the ISO 15288 lifecycle
- Familiar with Model based Systems Engineering and Digital Enabling Technologies, including relevant toolsets and collaborative work environments
- An awareness of marine/ship systems would be desirable but not compulsory, for example- HVAC, Fuel Systems, Gas Turbine Services, Fresh Water Services, Sea Water Services, Black and Grey Water Systems, Bilge and Sullage Systems, Gas Systems, Intake and Exhaust Systems, Chilled Water Systems, Lub Oil and Hydraulics
- Be qualified to degree level, or equivalent, in Systems Engineering or a related discipline, being a member of a relevant professional body, and be working towards an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) level, with an ambition of obtaining professional registration in the future
The Systems Engineering Team\:
Join our high‑performing Systems Engineering team and play a key role in supporting warship and submarine programmes across the Naval enterprise. You’ll work hands‑on with requirements definition, system decomposition, and system integration, helping shape the engineering behind some of the UK’s most complex Naval assets.
You’ll collaborate closely with our Asset Management hubs - Platform Management, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Data and Digital to apply and tailor systems engineering tools and principles, solving real operational problems and improve platform availability. This role provides the opportunity to develop advanced systems engineering competencies while contributing directly to the enhancement of UK defence capability.
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\: 30th October 2026