Principal Engineer - Product Owner (Software)

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

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Portsmouth is looking for a Principal Engineer - Product Owner to help define the vision and features of software products. This role involves collaboration with the development team and management of the Product Backlog, alongside responsibilities in agile methodologies. Applicants should possess an engineering degree and required technical skills such as system design and experience with Azure. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and competitive benefits that include a pension scheme and health plans.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Green car scheme

Qualifications

• Ability to manage complex technical issues and make engineering judgements.
• Hands-on knowledge of Enterprise Architect is a must.
• Experience with Agile software development methodology (DevSecOps) is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Define the product vision and features.
• Work on the product development roadmap.
• Manage the Product Backlog effectively.

Skills

System and Software Design

Manage complex technical issues

Hands-on knowledge of Enterprise Architect

Agile software development methodology (DevSecOps)

Azure cloud computing environment

Requirements Analysis

Configuration Management

Human Factors

Interface Analysis

Performance Analysis

Product Safety

Education

Academic qualification in Engineering or related STEM subjects

Tools

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Principal Engineer - Product Owner (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

• Helping to define the FTEWA TDP (Force Threat Evaluation & Weapon Assignment, Technical Demonstrator Programme) product vision including the features of the product
• Working on and presenting the shared product vision to the software development team and helping to define the product development roadmap
• Helping to manage the Product Backlog by creating, maintaining and prioritising Epics, Features & Stories and ensuring that the software development team fully understand the intent and scope of the Epics, Features & Stories that are in the backlog
• Maintaining an oversight of the software development, evaluating progress after each sprint iteration and accepting or rejecting work results following the completion of each sprint iteration as necessary
• Participating in scrum events, including daily stand‑ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives and representing the business and stakeholder interests at these
• The software design artefacts including:
  • Analysis of product requirements
    • System and Software requirements
    • System specification
    • Internal and external interface definition
    • Identifying and managing technical risk
    • Sell-off of product requirements

Your skills and experiences

Essential

• System and Software Design
• Ability to manage complex technical issues and make engineering judgements based on own knowledge and experience
• Hands‑on knowledge of Enterprise Architect
• Experience of operating within the Agile software development methodology (DevSecOps)
• Experience of the Azure cloud computing environment
• Knowledge and experience of Requirements Analysis, Configuration Management, Human Factors, Interface Analysis, Performance Analysis, Product Safety

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.

How to Apply

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

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