Principal Systems Engineer in Cowes, Isle of Wight

Energy Jobline CVL; Cowes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to enhance their radar portfolio, developing new products in a dynamic environment. The role offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive atmosphere for growing technical skills. Candidates should have Systems Engineering experience and a strong grasp of signal processing. This position is also part-time and suitable for individuals looking to balance work and personal life.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Share plans

Flexible health benefits

Eligibility for an annual incentive

Qualifications

• Good understanding of signal processing, target track extraction, and object classification algorithms.
• Experience affecting real-world performance of sensing systems.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of Systems Engineering including knowledge of ISO 15288.
• Experience in presenting technical and non-technical information.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions for technical challenges in complex Radar Systems.
• Apply Systems Engineering principles to develop technical solutions.
• Conduct system design analysis for product design.
• Lead decomposition of requirements and manage them in approved tools.
• Collaborate with various engineering disciplines for system design.
• Direct system integration, test planning, and execution.
• Define acceptance strategies demonstrating system performance.

Skills

Signal processing

Object classification algorithms

Systems Engineering principles

Presentation skills

Tools

IBM DOORS Next

Job description

Job Title

Principal Systems Engineer

Location

Cowes, Broad Oak, Great Baddow – Part time & accruing hours available.

Salary

Up to £75,900 (dependent on skills and experience)

Role Overview

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 our existing products, there will be the opportunity to develop next radar products to counter emerging threats and contribution to our strategy for new technology. Your day‑to‑day will be exciting and diverse by applying the principles of Systems Engineering across the entire engineering development lifecycle as you join in developing radar systems used by those who serve and protect us.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills and Experience

• Good understanding of signal processing, target track extraction, object classification algorithms, system and sensor resource optimisation
• Experience 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 challenging design objectives and requirements
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of Systems Engineering including knowledge of ISO 15288
• Experience of presenting both technical and non‑technical information in a formal setting

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme
• Share plans
• Extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts
• Eligibility for an annual incentive

Team & Environment

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. This role is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and invest in your career journey within a global business. You will be supported in growing your knowledge in contemporary and cutting‑edge Radar techniques, with opportunities to develop your skills and responsibilities in technical leadership.

Working Arrangements

Enjoy both flexible and hybrid working arrangements. The workplace in Cowes is an easily accessible commute from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and BAE shuttle service from the ferry terminal to site. Flexible working hours, part‑time, accruing hours and flexibility around start and finish times are available to balance life at work, on site and home.

Security & Vetting

Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. Applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard and may require higher levels of National Security Vetting with continuous UK residency depending on the role's level.

Closing Date

5th November 2025

Application Process

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. #LI-AP1 #LI-Onsite