WTA Combat Systems Lead Engineer

BAE Systems Canada; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Combat Systems Lead Engineer at their Portsmouth Naval Base. This role involves leading a team focused on optimizing combat systems performance, conducting analysis, and developing robust test criteria. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with in-service platforms and proven line management skills. Flexible working arrangements are offered, enabling a better work-life balance. Competitive benefits, including pension and health plans.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Share plans

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of in-service platform combat systems management.
• Proven line management experience with effective team deployment.
• Strong analytical skills for combat system performance assessment.
• Ability to create thorough test and acceptance criteria.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team in combat systems performance troubleshooting.
• Conduct performance assessments and analysis.
• Develop test and acceptance criteria for new modifications.
• Clearly communicate technical information.

Skills

Platform combat systems experience

Line management

Performance assessment

Test criteria development

Technical communication

Change management on platforms

Job description

Job title

Combat Systems Lead Engineer

Location & working arrangements

Portsmouth Naval Base. We offer a range of flexible working arrangements; please speak to your recruiter about options for this role.

Salary

Up to £65,000 (dependent on skills and experience).

Overview

Overview of responsibilities, qualifications and benefits for the Combat Systems Lead Engineer role.

Responsibilities

• Platform combat systems experience: Demonstrate extensive and detailed knowledge of platform combat systems. Leverage this expertise to ensure any given system operates at peak performance and to troubleshoot issues that arise.
• Line management and leadership of the team, aligning tactical tasking to project and strategic objectives.
• Performance assessment and analysis: Conduct thorough assessments and analysis of combat system performance. Use data to identify potential improvements and ensure the system meets all operational requirements.
• Test and acceptance criteria development: Develop detailed test and acceptance criteria for new equipment and modifications. Ensure these criteria are robust enough to maintain overall system performance throughout the lifecycle.
• Technical communication: Articulate and present detailed technical information clearly in both technical forums and senior management meetings. Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation for diverse audiences.
• Experience in embodiment of change on in-service platforms.

Your skills and experiences

• Extensive experience of in-service platform combat systems and management of change on complex systems.
• Proven line management experience, ensuring teams are capable and effectively deployed to maximise contribution and impact.
• Performance assessment proficiency: proven expertise in assessing and analysing the performance of complex combat systems.
• Test criteria development: ability to develop and implement rigorous test and acceptance criteria for system modifications and new equipment.
• Effective communication skills: ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Management of change on complex platforms.

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers share plans, a wide 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 Warship Technical Authority Combat Systems team

Under the UKMOD Common Support Model (CSM) complex Warship Design Authority is comprised of the DE&S Warship Approving Authority (WAA) and the BAES Warship Technical Authority (WTA). We are seeking a highly skilled Combat Systems Lead Engineer who will report into the WTA and support the wider engineering team and other functions as required. This role will organise and coordinate aspects of engineering activity ensuring defined objectives are achieved whilst continually maintaining quality and service requirements. The individual will be responsible for providing capability across a broad set of challenges to meet the needs of internal projects and customer programmes across the different Class Output Managements (COMs) as required.

As the world has evolved, so has the way we work. Our working approach will enable you to have flexibility with your working hours, depending on your role and location. This could include accruing hours as well as flexibility around start and finish times, ensuring you can balance life at work, on site and life at home.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you can make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfill your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to ensure 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 note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors such as nationality, any nationalities previously held, and place of birth can restrict role eligibility. All applicants must at minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Higher levels of National Security Vetting may be required, typically involving 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency for meaningful security checks.

Closing Date

3 October 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.