Principal Engineer – Electrical Engineering (Control & Instrumentation)

Job Title: Principal Engineer – Electrical Engineering (Control & Instrumentation)

Location: Barrow-in-Furness – (2 days minimum on site per fortnight.) We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Negotiable depending on skills and experience

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 advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, 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:

You will design and create solutions to support the definition of SSNA Platform Management System and other C&I Systems. Working as a key SME in the Control & Instrumentation domain you will work with the team across multiple stakeholders within the project. You will support the team on a day to day basis with technical decisions, design reviews and producing the detailed design documentation. This is a key technical role for candidates with a strong background who have the ability to produce control and instrumentation designs/solutions from concept through to final design.

Core duties:

• Develop and manage requirements and acceptance criteria specific to a system or product and/or across a system of systems, platform or programme
• Understand the contractual and performance requirements for various systems, and support the definition and associated acceptance criteria and events through design, build, integration, installation and commissioning activities
• Produce documentation required to support the design review process, including: diagrams; technical specifications; supporting calculations; design evidence and justifications
• Review relevant supplier documentation against functional and non-functional requirements
• Manage sub-system equipment specification and the integration of sub-system design into the wider submarine platform design

Essential Skills:

• Experience in developing a C&I design for a large scale C&I system ensuring it meets a wide range of requirements, such as functional, defence standards, industrial standards, etc.
• Experience with managing non-functional requirements (i.e. EMC, shock, etc.) meeting industrial compliance
• Experience of authoring and/or reviewing design documents, such as I/O schedules, functional design specification, electrical schematics, cabling diagrams, interface control documents, etc.
• Degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in relevant STEM subject (Engineering/ Physics/ Maths/ Science)
• Understanding of control system architecture and communication protocols (i.e. RS-485, PROFIBUS)
• History in IEC 61508 – Functional Safety (or similar) and production of supporting evidence to substantiate safety claims

The Submarines Solution Team:

You will be helping to define and shape the design of the Royal Navy’s next generation attack class submarine and working to implement novel internal communications technology and concepts whilst collaborating with colleagues within the Integrated Combat Systems business, wider stakeholders, suppliers, and the Royal Navy. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and encourage discussion of reasonable adjustments where needed.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, including 5–10 years continuous UK residency depending on the role.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Lifelong learning, meaningful work, and a supportive culture enable you to grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and supported with rewards that matter most to you.

Closing Date: 9th November 2026

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

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