Combat Systems Architect

BAE Systems; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

10% incentive bonus

Defence sector opportunities

Job summary

BAE Systems is recruiting for a hybrid role based in the UK, with options in Broad Oak, Dorchester, Bristol, or Portsmouth. You will develop Combat Systems architectures and provide technical leadership across the engineering lifecycle for international export projects.

The role requires broad engineering awareness across software, systems, hardware, safety and security, plus the ability to translate requirements into compliant, affordable solutions.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience in a technology, engineering, science, or IT discipline.
• Excellent engineering awareness across software, systems, hardware, safety and security.
• Relevant security clearances or baseline personnel security standards are required.

Responsibilities

• Develop Combat Systems architectures for naval export programmes.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver technically compliant solutions.
• Translate customer requirements into effective technical solutions across the lifecycle.
• Deliver bids, campaigns and contracted work with timely artefacts and schedules.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to shape affordable combat system solutions.

Skills

Software

Systems

Hardware IT

Safety

Security

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Hardware Architect Tools

Network Tools

Security Tools

Architectural Frameworks

Job description

Salary: £40,000 - 70,000 per year

Requirements

• Excellent engineering awareness across the primary engineering disciplines of Software, Systems, Hardware (IT), Safety and Security.
• Able to develop innovative solutions to complex issues in a wider business context.
• Degree qualified or equivalent experience, likely in a technology, engineering, science, or IT-related discipline.
• Minimum Baseline Personnel Security Standard.
• Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which may require 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required.

Responsibilities

• Support international naval export programmes by developing Combat Systems architectures and translating customer requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams, customers, and stakeholders to provide technical leadership across the engineering lifecycle.
• Help shape compliant, achievable solutions that support advanced naval combat capabilities and future business growth.
• Deliver packages of work and services related to Combat Systems architecture, including new products and/or complex upgrades, using new and existing technologies.
• Design and develop solutions that are compliant and affordable, and present them to the business for agreement through the Technical Bid review process.
• Lead engineering resources to ensure tasks associated with bids, campaigns, and contracted work are achieved.
• Coordinate across a matrix of multi-disciplined product and engineering teams to ensure technical information and artefacts are delivered in line with schedules.
• Develop system architectures for naval platforms, combat systems, mission systems, and support solutions.

Technologies

• Hardware
• Support
• Matrix
• Security
• Architect
• Network

More

We are BAE Systems, and you will be part of something bigger. Based in Broad Oak, Dorchester, Bristol, or Portsmouth, this hybrid role requires 3 days on site and 2 working from home. The role offers a salary of up to £87,200 depending on skills and experience, plus a 10% incentive bonus. You will join our Combat Systems International Export Campaign Team, which works to secure strategically important international defence opportunities by developing compliant, competitive, and deliverable solutions. We collaborate across business development, engineering, commercial, finance, legal, supply chain, and programme teams to support customer engagement, solution development, bid activities, risk management, contract awards, business growth, market expansion, and future international opportunities. We offer a career with purpose, lifelong learning, meaningful work, rewards tailored to what matters to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, a balanced lifestyle, and an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

last updated 38 week of 2026