Principal Engineer - Software - FTEWA Agile Developer

BAE Systems.; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense company in the UK seeks a Principal Engineer - Agile Developer to enhance software products using Agile and DevSecOps methodologies. Responsibilities include developing production-standard code, mentoring team members, and leading technical discussions. Candidates should have strong development skills in languages like Java, C++, or Rust and experience with cloud technologies. The role offers competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in using DevSecOps for coding and testing.
• Ability to coach and mentor team members technically.
• Familiarity with CI/CD techniques and tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop software products with an Agile/DevSecOps approach.
• Participate in technical discussions and meetings.
• Keep up to date with relevant technical areas.

Skills

Strong software development skills (Java, C++, Rust)

Cloud-based software development

Experience with Rust programming language

Proficiency in Microsoft Azure

Experience with Virtualisation and Containerisation

3rd party software integration

Education

Academic qualification in Engineering or other related STEM subjects

Professional qualifications (Incorporated or Chartered)

Job description

Job Title

Principal Engineer - Agile Developer (Software)

Salary

Circa £67,000 depending 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.
• Develop 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 our 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, 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.