Combat Systems Engineer (External Communications)

BAE Systems; Frimley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor in the UK is seeking a specialized engineer to integrate emergent equipment into submarine systems. This role requires deep knowledge of lifecycle management and external communication systems, engaging with key stakeholders like the MoD. You will provide technical support, documentation, and ensure adherence to standards. The position offers professional development, competitive benefits, and relocation support as well. Join us to make a real impact in UK defence and grow your career with us.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Green car scheme

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of LCM principles and process management.
• Degree qualified or equivalent level of relevant experience.
• Secure and export-control awareness for UK residency.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist knowledge for submarine ECS baseline design integration.
• Support qualification criteria through design, build, and commissioning.
• Produce documentation for design review processes.

Skills

Lifecyle Management principles

Product Safety

Systems Integration

Engagement with MoD and industry stakeholders

Knowledge of External Communications Systems

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist knowledge and subject‑matter expertise (SME) to assist in the development and integration of emergent equipment/systems into the submarine ECS baseline design
• Support equipment/system acceptance and qualification criteria of the ECS through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning phases, through the Life Cycle Management (LCM) process and adhere to the CADMID framework as used in Defence Acquisition
• Produce documentation required to support the design review process, including technical specifications, design evidence and justification
• Provide specialist technical support to the system integrator for the Combat System Development and Integration Facility and platform installations, including commissioning and Setting to Work (STW) activities
• Provide engineering assistance, guidance and recommendations relating to equipment/system maintenance routines and support submarine platform operational defect rectification
• Provide technical guidance to other combat system engineers, specialist engineering services and support the engineering management team in planning and controlling specialist activities

Qualifications & Experience

• Thorough understanding of LCM principles and process management
• Degree qualified or equivalent level of relevant experience
• Robust awareness of Product Safety and SHE
• Experience engaging with MoD and industry stakeholders
• Knowledge of External Communications Systems (ECS) in the maritime defence domain
• Knowledge of systems integration and commissioning
• Secure and export‑control awareness: Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export‑control restrictions, including consideration of nationality, place of birth and residency. All applicants must achieve at least Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with higher levels of National Security Vetting requiring 5–10 years of continuous UK residency or equivalent.

Role Overview

The In‑Service ECS Team: As part of the In‑service ECS Engineering Team, this role will include regular engagement with a variety of departments, including key stakeholders within BAE and the MoD to provide development and delivery of the final product to meet the customer’s requirements. You will also support the ECS Technical Authority (TA) that provides system assurance of the common External Communications System (CECS) for both Vanguard and Astute class submarines. This role offers a great opportunity for further professional development supporting UK defence and building a lasting career. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

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 empowers you to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want our recruitment processes to be 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.

Benefits & Salary

Salary: Negotiable dependent on experience. As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems 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.