Principal Engineer – Above Water Surveillance

BAE Systems; Frimley; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK seeks a Principal Engineer for Above Water Surveillance in Frimley. This role involves developing functional designs and defining systems architecture while providing specialist knowledge and support. Candidates should have experience in maritime systems and demonstrate strong communication skills. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and various inclusive benefits, aiming to empower individuals from all backgrounds. Apply early as the closing date is set for January 8, 2026.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in leading teams and mentoring staff.
• Familiarity with optical/RF systems in maritime defense.
• Understanding of engineering lifecycle phases.

Responsibilities

• Develop the functional design of AWS.
• Define systems architecture and components.
• Support system design and integration activities.

Skills

Team leadership/mentorship

Above water surveillance systems knowledge

Engineering lifecycle experience

Product safety awareness

Communication skills

Job description

Job Title

Principal Engineer – Above Water Surveillance

Location

Frimley. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

What you’ll be doing

• Provide specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise to develop the functional design of the AWS
• Define the systems architecture, components, interfaces and data to enable the development and production of the component sub-systems followed with the reporting of the contractual and performance requirements for communication products and sub-systems associated with the acceptance criteria and events through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities
• Understand and support the flow-down of requirements to suppliers and acceptance of their specific deliverables, ensuring it is captured and recorded appropriately
• Support the System Owner, Engineering Manager and Project Manager in supporting bids, proposal development and project planning activities
• Provide specialist technical support to shipbuilder installation, integration activities and commissioning activities
• Provide technical guidance to other combat system engineers and support the engineering management team in planning and controlling specialist activities
• Provide technical support to integrated performance and acceptance activities, including acceptance of equipment from suppliers through to system acceptance by the customer

Your skills and experiences

• Experience gained within team leadership/mentorship
• Knowledge and experience in above water surveillance systems (optical/RF) and products in the maritime, defence and/or commercial domains and a good understanding of how such systems are used and interact with the overall submarine build programme
• Knowledge of the complete engineering lifecycle with experience of operating in a number of the key lifecycle phases including requirements/system design, and integration and acceptance
• A strong awareness of product safety and SHE
• Good communication skills and the ability to present and interact with a variety of different stakeholders

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive 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 Above Water Surveillance team

This is a really exciting time to join us in the team where you will work very closely with new emerging technologies and systems to develop the functional design of AWS. This opportunity will give you the chance to be a part of our largest and most complex UK defence programmes to date whilst working with an array of key stakeholders. There will be fantastic opportunities for further training development and career progression within the team due to our long term growth and projection. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

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 diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure 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.

Security and Legal Information

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date

8th January 2026

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.