Principal Engineer - Agile Developer (Software)

BAE Systems; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in the UK is seeking a Principal Engineer - Agile Developer to further develop their software products for naval combat systems. The role includes utilizing an Agile/DevSecOps approach and mentoring team members. Ideal candidates will have strong software development skills, experience with cloud-based concepts, and familiarity with Rust and Azure. The position supports hybrid working arrangements and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and wellbeing benefits

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Strong software development skills in Java, C++ or Rust.
• Experience with cloud-based software development concepts.
• Familiarity with the Rust language and associated toolchain.

Responsibilities

• Develop software products using Agile/DevSecOps methodologies.
• Coach and mentor team members to improve skills.
• Participate in technical discussions and planning with stakeholders.

Skills

Software development in Java, C++ or Rust

Cloud-based software development

Rust programming language proficiency

Experience with Microsoft Azure

Understanding of virtualisation and containerisation

Integration of 3rd party software

Education

Academic qualification in Engineering or related STEM subjects

Tools

Azure DevOps

Job description

Job Title

Principal Engineer - Agile Developer (Software)

Salary

Circa £67,000 dependent on skills and experience

Location

Broad Oak, New Malden, Frimley - We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

What you’ll be doing

• Acting as an exemplar Software Engineer to further develop the software products
• Utilise an Agile/DevSecOps approach for the creation of new and modified code/test modules as part of a wider product solution
• Contribute to a continuous learning and feedback process in relation to the DevSecOps approach
• Lead and/or participate in technical discussions and meetings
• Plan for and communicate future work, in liaison with other stakeholders
• Review/provide comments on work items carried out by the DevSecOps team members
• Keep up to date in relevant technical areas and develop skills and capabilities to be able to provide more effective solutions.
• Develops production-standard code, test and documentation
• Coaching and mentoring team members on a technical level to empower the team to continuously grow and improve

Your skills and experiences

Essential

• Strong software development skills in a language such as Java, C++ or Rust
• Familiarity with cloud-based software development concepts, including virtualisation, configuration control , CI/CD techniques and tools, & Automated testing
• Experience in using the Rust programming language and associated toolchain
• Experience in using Microsoft Azure and the Azure DevOps toolset
• Some experience of virtualisation and containerisation
• Familiarity with using and integrating 3rd party software technologies

Engineers at all levels should possess an academic qualification in Engineering or other related STEM subjects as well as specific (either academic or professional) qualifications and become recognised as Incorporated or Chartered Engineers through an appropriate recognised professional institution. Engineers are encouraged, and will be supported, to achieve the relevant accreditation. Preference will be given to candidates who are already professionally registered.

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also 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.

The Naval Ships Combat Systems FTEWA TDP team

The BAE Systems Naval Ships Combat Systems FTEWA TDP Team use cutting edge technologies to design, develop, integrate and support naval combat system products that enable navies to protect nations. The team contributes to the Naval Ships core product, the Combat Management System, is the ‘brains’ of the ship, allowing crews to understand the tactical situation and to rapidly respond to potentially life‑threatening situations.

This role will help to ensure that naval crews around the world can continue to receive and utilise the most modern capabilities possible in a challenging and ever‑changing environment. We offer significant opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop with us.

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

21st January 2026 - Interviews will take place w/c 2nd February 2026

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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When applying for this role you will be redirected to BAE systems careers site where you will be required:

• Register an account (this is optional, you can apply as a guest)
• Provide contact information
• Upload your cv
• Complete a short diversity & inclusion questionnaire

When asked source type, please select "job board advertisement" then "the IET / E+T Jobs"