Principal Engineer - Signatures (Non-Acoustic)

ZipRecruiter; Dalton-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Principal Signatures Engineer in Barrow-in-Furness. The role involves leading the development of stealth capabilities and collaborating with teams for low-signature systems. A strong STEM background and experience in modeling software are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, aiming to support the stealth performance of submarines.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant STEM field.
• Experience with modelling software or programming tools.
• Strong grasp of electromagnetism and detection technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of stealth capabilities.
• Collaborate with teams to design low-signature systems.
• Define technical requirements and methods.

Skills

Modelling software

Programming tools

Electromagnetism knowledge

Radar detection technology

Infrared detection technology

Visual detection technology

Stealth systems familiarity

Education

Degree in Maths, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or STEM

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.

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.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design low-signature equipment and systems.
• Help define technical requirements, test methods, and approval criteria.
• Review design documents to confirm that above water signature requirements are met.
• Lead modelling efforts for radar, infrared, visual, and RF signatures using custom and commercial tools.
• Develop testing methodologies to confirm signature performance.
• Manage research with internal teams and university partners.
• Improve 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.

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.

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 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.

All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of Security Vetting.

Closing Date: 14th October 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.