Principal Engineer - Signatures (Non-Acoustic)

BAE Systems; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor in the UK is seeking a Principal Signatures Engineer to lead the development of stealth engineering capabilities. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams on low-signature equipment and systems. Essential qualifications include a degree in a STEM field and experience with modelling software. Located in Barrow-in-Furness, the position offers competitive salary and benefits, including flexible working arrangements and relocation packages.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible discounted health benefits

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM field is required.
• Experience with modelling software or programming tools is essential.
• Strong grasp of detection technologies like radar and infrared is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the Stealth Engineering Above Water Signatures capability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on low-signature equipment design.
• Define technical requirements, test methods, and approval criteria.

Skills

Modelling software or programming tools

Electromagnetism

Radar detection technologies

Infrared detection technologies

Familiarity with stealth systems

Education

Degree in Maths, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM field

Postgraduate qualification in a STEM subject

Tools

Modelling software

Job description

Job Title: Principal Signatures Engineer (Non-Acoustics)

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

Salary: circa £50,000 depending on skills and experience

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the development of the Stealth Engineering Above Water Signatures capability
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design low-signature equipment and systems
• Helping define technical requirements, test methods, and approval criteria
• Reviewing design documents to confirm that above water signature requirements are met
• Leading modelling efforts for radar, infrared, visual, and RF signatures using custom and commercial tools
• Developing testing methodologies to confirm signature performance
• Managing research with internal teams and university partners
• Improving stealth features on in-service submarines

Your skills and experiences

Essential

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Maths, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM field
• Experience with modelling software or programming tools
• A strong grasp of electromagnetism, radar, or infrared and visual detection technologies
• Familiarity with stealth systems or signature control methods

Desirable

• A postgraduate qualification in a STEM subject
• Experience in defence or large-scale manufacturing
• Knowledge of submarine or naval systems

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 Stealth Engineering Department:

As a Principal Engineer, you will be working with a team tasked with assuring the stealth performance of submarines built in Barrow. From concept system designs to the assessment of the whole submarine as part of major commissioning trials, you will be involved in all aspects of the submarine lifecycle from concept through to support of the in-service fleet. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines 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:

22nd January 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.

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".