Principal Engineer – Communications

Job Title: Principal Engineer – Communications

Location: Barrow, Hybrid

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

Salary: Competitive

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you will be doing:

In this role, you will lead the design and delivery of communications and audio systems for naval vessels, defining system requirements and engineering standards to develop effective solutions for complex submarine environments. You will produce technical documentation, develop testing protocols and support installation and commissioning activities. You will analyse test results, conduct technical studies to validate system performance, and collaborate with engineering and project teams on cost estimation, risk assessments and mitigation strategies, while supporting Factory Acceptance Testing to ensure equipment quality before installation.

Core duties:

• Lead the design and integration of communications and audio systems across submarine platforms, defining system requirements, architecture and engineering standards to deliver robust and effective technical solutions.
• Produce high-quality technical documentation including system specifications, engineering calculations, design reports and user documentation, demonstrating strong technical writing and documentation capability.
• Define and support system testing protocols, including installation, commissioning and dockside activities, ensuring systems meet required operational performance, safety and reliability standards.
• Analyse, interpret and present qualification and test results to internal stakeholders and customers, ensuring compliance with defined technical requirements and operational expectations.
• Conduct technical studies, verification and validation activities to confirm that system designs meet engineering specifications and operational needs.
• Contribute technical expertise to engineering and project teams, supporting cost estimation, technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies for complex communications solutions.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of supplier equipment when required, ensuring system performance and quality prior to delivery and installation.
• Hold a BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in a relevant discipline (e.g. Communications, Electrical, Telecommunications, Electronic or Audio Engineering) or equivalent experience, with proven system or equipment design experience and expertise in areas such as VoIP, PBX systems, acoustic modelling, radio or safety-critical communications systems; CEng and defence or marine standards knowledge desirable.

The Submarine Communications Team:

As a Principal Engineer – Communications, you will collaborate with the internal communications design team to undertake a variety of design activities related to data networks, communication systems and associated equipment for submarine platforms.

This role offers excellent exposure across the organisation, providing opportunities to engage with stakeholders at multiple levels. It also provides strong professional development prospects, enabling progression toward senior technical roles such as Consultant Engineer or into engineering leadership pathways. Relocation support may be available for submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

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.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

Closing Date: 26th March 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.

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