Principal Mission Systems Engineer

Babcock International; Kirkcaldy; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Principal Mission Systems Engineer to lead the design and integration of mission-critical systems across naval platforms. The role offers a hybrid working model with excellent development opportunities, including generous holiday allowances and a matched contribution pension scheme. Applicants should have a degree in engineering and experience in mission systems integration.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Holiday Trading option

‘Be Kind Day’ for volunteering

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Mission Systems integration.
• Proven experience developing solutions for marine platforms.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-discipline team.

Responsibilities

• Engage with customers to develop clear system requirements.
• Generate and assess sensor and weapon suite options.
• Manage risk throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Mission Systems integration

Developing physical integration solutions

Communication skills in a multi-discipline team

Managing controlled goods and technology

Education

Degree in an engineering discipline

Chartered status and membership of relevant institution

Job description

Job Title: Principal Mission Systems Engineer

Location: Devonport, Plymouth, Rosyth, Fife or Bristol

Compensation: £65,000 - £75,000

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF69746

Shape the Future of Naval Mission Systems

At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Mission Systems Engineer at one of our Babcock sites in Devonport, Bristol or Rosyth.

The role

As a Principal Mission Systems Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll lead the design and integration of mission‑critical systems — including Communications, Navigation, Command and Control, and Sensors — across complex naval platforms. Your expertise will influence global shipbuilding projects, from fast attack craft to aircraft carriers, and help deliver cutting‑edge capability to our customers. This is your opportunity to make a real impact on national security while advancing your career in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll have the following responsibilities:

• Engage with customers to develop and agree clear system requirements.
• Generate and assess sensor and weapon suite options for concept designs.
• Take ownership of compartments or systems through all design stages.
• Specify, select, and manage external suppliers for components and services.
• Manage risk throughout the project lifecycle.

This role is full time and is a hybrid role with 2 days onsite and 3 days working from home.

Essential experience of the Principal Mission Systems Engineer

• Deep knowledge of Mission Systems integration (Communications, Navigation, Command and Control, Sensors/Effectors).
• Proven experience developing physical integration solutions for marine platforms.
• Ability to work within a multi‑discipline team and communicate effectively.
• Experience managing controlled goods, technology, or services (including ITAR compliance).

Qualifications for the Principal Mission Systems Engineer

• Degree‑qualified in an engineering discipline (HND/HNC with extensive experience considered).
• Chartered status and membership of a relevant institution.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 09/12/2025

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