Principal Systems Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Rochester; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to work on advanced radar solutions. This role involves developing innovative solutions for complex systems and leading system design activities. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of signal processing and present technical information effectively. Flexible working arrangements are available, making it a great opportunity to grow in a dynamic field.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible health and wellbeing benefits

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Good understanding of engineering principles.
• Experience in Systems Engineering standards like ISO 15288.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions for complex Radar Systems.
• Conduct system design analysis.
• Lead requirement decomposition and management.

Skills

Understanding of signal processing

Target track extraction

Object classification algorithms

System and sensor resource optimisation

Experience presenting technical information

Job description

Overview

Job title: Principal Systems Engineer

Location: Cowes, Broad Oak, Great Baddow – Part time with accruing hours available. Salary: Up to £75,900 (dependent on skills and experience).

Put yourself into a dynamic Principal Systems Engineering role at the forefront of real world demands in the defence industry. Alongside ensuring operational excellence for existing products, there will be the opportunity to develop next radar products to counter emerging threats and contribute to strategy for new technology.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop novel solutions to evolving technical challenges and emerging issues for complex Radar Systems that our customers and end-user communities are facing.
• Apply a breadth of knowledge, skills and experience of Systems Engineering principles, techniques and governance to steer and develop technical solutions and resolve engineering issues.
• Conduct system design analysis to manage trade-offs of system parameters to characterise and specify robust product design.
• Lead the decomposition of requirements to system and sub-system level and manage these in an approved toolset such as IBM DOORS Next.
• Be a technical focus point with a holistic understanding of a whole system solution, leading analysis activities and system design decisions and providing guidance to own team.
• Collaborate with specialists across different engineering disciplines including electronics, electrical, mechanical and software to direct and realise overarching system design solutions.
• Direct and undertake system integration, test planning and execution.
• Define and articulate system acceptance strategies and acceptance evidence demonstrating system performance across a wide range of operational scenarios to internal and external stakeholders.
• Through these activities you will build your personal profile with senior stakeholders and grow a diverse knowledge base in engineering.

Your skills and experiences

• A good understanding in some of the following subject areas: signal processing, target track extraction, object classification algorithms, system and sensor resource optimisation.
• A good understanding of factors that can affect the real-world performance of sensing systems and how these can impact the accuracy and timeliness of measurements to meet design objectives and requirements.
• Demonstrates understanding and experience of Systems Engineering, which could include knowledge of Systems Engineering standards (e.g., ISO 15288).
• Experience of presenting both technical and non-technical information in a formal setting.

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme.
• Flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts.
• Annual incentive eligibility may apply.

The Radar Systems Engineering team

You will be working as a Principal Systems Engineer within our close-knit multi-function radar team of inter-disciplinary engineers, evolving our radar portfolio of existing and brand-new radar products to address emerging and future threats.

Role and career development

This role is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and invest in your career within a global business. You will be supported in growing your knowledge in contemporary and cutting-edge radar techniques, with opportunities to develop leadership responsibilities. In this role, you will be able to enjoy both flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Working arrangements

Our workplace in Cowes is an easily accessible commute from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and a shuttle service to site. The working approach offers flexibility with hours and start/finish times depending on role and location, including part-time hours and accruing hours.

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 integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to make recruitment processes as inclusive as possible.

Candidate requirements and security

If you have a health condition that may affect performance in assessments, speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments. Many roles are subject to security and export control restrictions, which may limit eligibility based on prior roles, place of birth, or other factors. All applicants must meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of Security Vetting (typically 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency) depending on the role.

Closing Date: 17 September 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.