Principal Combat Systems Engineer

BAE Systems.; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and aerospace company seeks a Principal Combat Systems Engineer in Portsmouth. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in combat systems, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively. The role offers hybrid working options and competitive benefits. Applications close on 13th August 2025. Apply early due to potential early closure of vacancy.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Company contributed Share Incentive Plan

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Cycle2work

Employee discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in assessing and analysing the performance of complex combat systems.
• Ability to develop and implement rigorous test and acceptance criteria for system modifications and new equipment.
• Strong ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of platform combat system.
• Conduct thorough assessments and analyses of combat system performance.
• Develop detailed test and acceptance criteria for new equipment.
• Articulate and present technical information clearly.
• Ensure system performance is maintained with new equipment.

Skills

Extensive experience of in-service platform combat systems

Performance Assessment Proficiency

Test Criteria Development

Effective Communication Skills

Management of change on complex platforms

Job description

Job title: Principal Combat Systems Engineer

Location: Portsmouth Broad Oak. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £52,000+ depending on skills and experience

What you'll be doing:

• Platform combat systems experience: Demonstrate extensive and detailed knowledge of platform combat system. Leverage this expertise to ensure any given system operates at peak performance and to troubleshoot any issues that arise
• Performance Assessment and Analysis: Conduct thorough assessments and analyses of combat system performance. Use this data to identify potential improvements and ensure the system meets all operational requirements
• Test and Acceptance Criteria Development: Develop detailed test and acceptance criteria for new equipment and modifications. Ensure these criteria are robust enough to maintain the required level of overall system performance throughout the system's lifecycle
• Technical Communication: Articulate and present detailed technical information clearly and effectively in both technical forums and senior management meetings. Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation that can be understood by diverse audiences
• Experience in embodiment of change on in-service platforms

Your skills and experiences:

• Extensive experience of in-service platform combat systems
• Performance Assessment Proficiency: Proven expertise in assessing and analysing the performance of complex combat systems
• Test Criteria Development: Ability to develop and implement rigorous test and acceptance criteria for system modifications and new equipment
• Effective Communication Skills: Strong ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior management
• Management of change on complex platforms

Benefits:

You'll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a Company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You'll also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Warship Technical Authority Combat Systems team:

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Combat System Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess an extensive and detailed knowledge of the Mine Hunting System Acoustic 3 (MHSA3) for MCMVs and have a proven track record in combat system performance assessment and analysis. This role involves generating comprehensive test and acceptance criteria, ensuring that the required level of overall system performance is maintained with the introduction of new WE equipment and modifications. The Principal Combat System Engineer will also serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Integrated Support Trials and Analysis Package (IS-TRAP) program and will have the expertise to conduct geodetic location surveys of trials mine contact positions. The ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to both technical teams and senior management is essential.

As the world has evolved, so has the way we work. Our working approach, will enable you to have flexibility with your working hours, depending on your role and location. This could include accruing hours as well as flexibility around start and finish times, ensuring you can balance life at work, on site and life at home.

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 where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are 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.

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: 13th August 2025

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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