Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems) (Rochester)

BAE Systems; Ditton; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

BAE Systems in Rochester is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems) to design, validate, and manage complex test solutions across displays, controls, and mission computers. The role emphasizes understanding customer needs and collaborating with stakeholders to capture and integrate requirements.

You will work in a multi-disciplinary team, lead test equipment development across the engineering lifecycle, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing test equipment within relevant product markets.
• Extensive knowledge of the engineering lifecycle.
• Hands-on engineering experience and training.
• Strong ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, analyze, and test real-time systems across disciplines in labs.
• Validate data and test results via modeling, reviews, and audits.
• Provide realistic program status updates and identify issues.
• Capture requirements with internal/external stakeholders and integrate them into development phases.
• Manage work packages for test systems tasks with collaboration and accountability.
• Coach and mentor engineers to foster technical excellence.

Skills

Test equipment development

Engineering lifecycle knowledge

Hands-on engineering

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Join Our Team as a Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems) Location: Rochester, Onsite

Salary: Up to £57,000 depending on experience

Who We Are At BAE Systems, you're not just joining a company; you're becoming part of a mission. As a valued member of our global team, your unique skills and perspectives will help us pioneer progress and protect what matters most. Together, we'll deliver advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions that shape a safer future for everyone.

Your Role As a Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems), you will play a crucial role in understanding customer needs and collaborating with stakeholders to develop, validate, and manage complex requirements for innovative products. Your engineering expertise will be key in designing and developing test solutions, tackling complex engineering challenges across a variety of products, including displays, controls, and mission computers.

Core Responsibilities

• Integrate, analyze, and test real-time systems across multiple technical disciplines (electronic, mechanical, optical, and software) in laboratory environments.
• Validate engineering data and test results through rigorous modeling, review, and audit processes.
• Provide realistic program status updates, identifying potential issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective requirement capture and integration into engineering development phases.
• Manage technical work packages for test systems engineering tasks, ensuring collaborative execution and accountability.
• Coach and mentor fellow engineers, fostering professional growth and technical excellence within the team.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in developing test equipment within relevant product markets.
• Extensive knowledge of the engineering lifecycle.
• Technical expertise gained through hands‑on experience and training.
• Strong ability to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

About the Electronic Systems Team

You will be part of a dynamic, multi-disciplined project team dedicated to developing innovative Test Equipment solutions using cutting‑edge technology. We value new ideas and approaches, supporting programs, repairs, and aftermarket services. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of a diverse and growing team, with pathways for career advancement within BAE Systems.

Why Choose BAE Systems?

Here, you'll build a career filled with purpose and endless possibilities. With a focus on lifelong learning and meaningful work, you'll have the chance to grow your career with confidence. Your contributions will be recognized, and you'll enjoy rewards tailored to your needs and those of your family, including support for financial and personal well‑being, all within a balanced lifestyle. Our culture embraces sustainable practices and a strong sense of shared purpose, making it a place where you can truly belong and be proud of the difference you make.

A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is essential to our mission.

Important Note: Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors such as nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth may affect your eligibility for certain roles. All applicants must meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with many roles requiring higher levels of National Security Vetting, typically necessitating 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK.

Closing Date: 23rd October 2026