Systems Engineer: Photonics and Acoustics

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Great Baddow 

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

In Digital Intelligence the Defence Business Unit delivers solutions to complex multi-domain communication problems from the sea bed to outer space. We link information from operator, sensors, tactical systems, to provide fused information in a timely fashion to support decision making. We provide advanced mission planning and logistics applications to ensure the delivery military effect. We are world leaders in communications, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, securing data for communication and processing and providing advanced training for the systems and platform that BAE Systems delivers.

The Innovation & Technology group within the Defence Business Unit is the research and technology arm of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence business. In partnership with the other businesses and educational establishments with whom we work, we innovate and develop to transform aspiration and vision into engineered reality.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and professional Engineer/Scientist into the Photonics and Acoustics Group based in Great Baddow, near Chelmsford, Essex. 

The Photonics and Acoustics Group undertakes research and development in a range of areas that encompasses the use and application of photonics, acoustics, and other modalities to solve real-world engineering problems, including:

•    Optical communications

•    Multi-domain communications and networking

•    Novel imaging systems

•    Sensor systems

•    Detection and classification of explosives

•    Acoustics

About you:

You should ideally have experience in working on one or more of the above topics, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience in adjacent technologies and be motivated to work on the above.

The role would suit someone with a strong academic background, or who has worked in industry on the development of low TRL technologies, potentially taking them through to product.  A higher degree or equivalent experience in Photonics, or a closely related engineering/physics subject, would be an advantage. 

You will be expected to provide both technical and practical input into programmes, support bidding activities, and take an active role in securing future work.

You must be able to attain UK SC clearance.

Skills/Experiences:

•    A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Physics; Electronic/Electrical Engineering; or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.

•    A background in physics, electrical engineering or a related discipline.

•    Experience in systems integration, development, and prototyping.

•    Solid grounding in engineering with experience in an engineering or technology based environment, working on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

•    Member of a relevant professional body, preferably a Chartered Engineer or equivalent, would be advantageous.

•    Ability to assess and understand the impact of emerging technologies and how these can be applied to solve real-world problems.

•    Highly motivated with the ability to quickly digest and apply new concepts and develop novel solutions to challenging problems.

•    Able to understand, influence and talk with credibility (in terms of engineering principles) about areas of technology outside of own area of specific expertise.

•    Good communication skills, able to present effectively to customers and at conferences if appropriate.

•    Ability to work with customers or other stakeholders to capture requirements and highlight the risks and opportunities in a plan.

•    Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, to lead or be part of a team, and respect the opinions of others.

•    Continually build and maintain friendly, reciprocal, and warm relationships with networks of people who may be able to assist in business winning and delivery.

Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence 

We are embracing Hybrid Working. This means you and your colleagues may be working in different locations, such as from home, another BAE Systems office or client site, some or all of the time, and work might be going on at different times of the day.

By embracing technology, we can interact, collaborate and create together, even when we’re working remotely from one another. Hybrid Working allows for increased flexibility in when and where we work, helping us to balance our work and personal life more effectively, and enhance well-being.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. We are proud to have an organisational culture where employees with varying perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds – the best and brightest minds – can work together to achieve excellence and realise individual and organisational potential.