Principal Engineer - Communications

BAE Systems; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Principal Engineer - Communications to lead the design of communication systems for naval vessels. This role offers hybrid working arrangements, ensuring flexibility. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and possess substantial experience in system design. The position provides opportunities for professional growth, allowing engagement with diverse stakeholders and development toward leadership roles. The company also offers a competitive benefits package, enhancing work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and wellbeing benefits

Discounted shopping options

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Detailed understanding of design and deployment of Voice Over IP (VOIP) networks.
• Proven track record of system or equipment design.
• Knowledge in defence standards and marine equipment legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of communications for naval vessels.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation and specifications.
• Define testing protocols and support system commissioning.
• Evaluate test results for compliance with technical requirements.

Skills

Communications Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Telecommunications

Technical Report writing skills

Education

BEng/BSc and/or MEng/MSc degree in a relevant field

Job description

Job Title: Principal Engineer - Communications

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role

Salary: Competitive

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the design and delivery of communications and audio systems for naval vessels, including defining system requirements and design standards to develop effective technical solutions
• Developing comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, user manuals, and design calculations, to ensure alignment with performance requirements
• Defining testing protocols and providing on-site support for dockside installation and system commissioning activities
• Evaluating test and qualification results for compliance with technical requirements and presenting findings to both internal stakeholders and external clients
• Conducting technical development studies to verify and validate that system designs meet specified requirements
• Contributing technical expertise to engineering and project teams, supporting accurate cost estimation, technical risk assessments, and mitigation strategies
• Supporting Factory Acceptance Testing of system equipment at supplier facilities, as required

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• BEng/BSc and/or MEng/MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Acoustics / Audio Engineering / Audio Technology, Technical Report writing skills

Communications Engineering; Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Acoustics / Audio Engineering / Audio Technology, Technical Report writing skills

Detailed understanding of at least one of the following disciplines:

• Design and deployment of Voice Over IP (VOIP) networks; Deployment of Private Branch Exchange systems; Acoustics Modelling and Simulation; Speech Quality Analysis; Design of Public Address or Voice Alarm or Installed Sound Systems; Design of audio distribution systems; Design of trunked radio systems; Design of military tactical communications systems; Design of communications systems for safety critical applications; Design and installation of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.

Proven track record of system or equipment design

• Proven track record of system or equipment design.

Desirable:

• CEng (or be able to work towards satisfying requirements for Chartership) with an accredited institution
• Knowledge and experience in defence standards
• Knowledge and experience of classification society rules, International and UK marine equipment legislation

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 Submarine Communications team:

As a Principal Engineer – Communications, you will collaborate with the internal communications design team to undertake a variety of design activities related to data networks, communication systems, and associated equipment for Submarine platforms.

This position offers significant exposure across the organisation, providing the opportunity to engage with a broad range of stakeholders at all levels. It presents excellent prospects for professional development, both in advancing technical expertise (e.g. toward Consultant Engineer roles) and in progressing into engineering leadership positions. We offer relocation support across all Submarine roles, subject to meeting 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 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:

17th December 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.

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

• 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"