Principal Systems Design Engineer
About this role
Job Advertisement: Principal Systems Design Engineer
Position: Principal Systems Design Engineer
Agency Partner: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Client: BAE Systems (Combat Systems Team)
Location: Various locations across the UK and Scotland – Hybrid (up to 3 days per week on-site)
Salary: Up to £68,500 depending on skills and experience
Job Type: Permanent / Experienced Professionals (Engineering)
Closing Date: 5th October 2026 (Note: The client reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received)
About Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we are dedicated to connecting exceptional engineering talent with industry-leading organizations that shape a safer future. We are proud to partner with BAE Systems to source an experienced Principal Systems Design Engineer to lead critical software system design initiatives within their cutting-edge Combat Systems team.
About the Role
As a Principal Systems Design Engineer, you will lead the Hybrid Navy Software System Design workstream, ensuring that solutions align seamlessly with product vision and capability requirements. You will provide technical leadership by defining system requirements, guiding high-level software designs, and ensuring development teams deliver secure, reliable, and certifiable solutions that meet strict safety, quality, and performance standards for Royal Navy ship environments.
Core Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership to the software system design team, setting strategic technical direction and driving effective delivery.
Ensure all solutions align with the product vision by defining, interpreting, and managing comprehensive product and system requirements.
Lead the development of high-level system and software designs, making and documenting critical architectural decisions.
Produce and maintain core software design artifacts, including requirements analysis, system specifications, and interface definitions.
Identify and actively manage technical risks, ensuring requirements are thoroughly validated, approved, and delivered on schedule.
What We Are Looking For (Essential Skills & Qualifications):
Engineering Expertise: Broad and deep expertise in systems engineering acquired through work within a rigorous engineering or defense-related industry.
Software & Agile Knowledge: Proven knowledge of software engineering approaches, processes, procedures, and working familiarity with Agile methodologies.
Systems Context: Significant breadth and diversity of software engineering experience on major projects or products, combined with a strong systems-engineering mindset.
Advisory Capabilities: Solid understanding of business environments and processes, with the ability to serve as a specialist technical advisor to professionals and projects.
Security Note: Due to defense and export control restrictions, all applicants must achieve at least a Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with many roles requiring higher National Security Vetting (typically 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency).
Why Apply Through Supportive Bridge?
When you partner with Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, you receive dedicated support and expert advocacy throughout your application journey. Landing this high-profile role with BAE Systems also grants you:
High-Visibility Impact: Work on advanced technologies and demanding software destined directly for operational Naval Ship environments.
Competitive Package: Earn up to £68,500 per annum, backed by tailored rewards and financial/personal wellbeing support.
Flexibility & Growth: Benefit from hybrid working patterns, lifelong learning opportunities, structured mentorship, and an inclusive, purpose-driven workplace culture.