Principal Combat Systems Engineer

Principal Combat Systems Engineer - Portsmouth (Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency Placement)

Position Overview

• Role: Principal Combat Systems Engineer

• Location: Portsmouth Naval Base & Portsmouth Broad Oak – Hybrid working pattern (3 to 4 days on-site)

• Salary: Up to £57,100 per annum, depending on skills and experience + bonus scheme

• Job Function: Engineering / Experienced Professionals

• Closing Date: Thursday, 8th October 2026 (Note: The vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received)

About the Role

Shape the future of naval engineering by providing expert technical support across advanced combat systems! As a staffing partner, Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to recruit for this high-profile Principal Combat Systems Engineer position on behalf of BAE Systems.

Operating within the Warship Technical Authority (WTA), you will support core WTA service elements—including design change management, platform technical assurance, and specialist engineering support—across Royal Navy surface ship contracts and international naval programmes. Experience or an interest in Sonar Systems is particularly advantageous!

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering Support: Provide combat systems engineering support across diverse naval platforms, international programmes, and multidisciplinary projects.

• Design Integrity: Maintain combat systems design integrity, ensuring seamless integration across platforms, programs, and engineering disciplines.

• Change & Configuration: Support design change implementation, configuration control, and the safe integration of complex combat systems.

• Investigations & Analyses: Conduct investigations, impact assessments, and integration analyses across sensors, weapons, communications, networks, and CMS.

• Safety & Approvals: Develop and present technical evidence to support safety cases, certifications, and customer approvals.

What We Are Looking For

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of combat systems architectures across UK and international naval platforms.

• Standards & Governance: Solid understanding of maritime and defence standards, assurance processes, and governance frameworks.

• Problem Solving: Skilled in combat systems analysis, integration, troubleshooting, and complex issue resolution.

• Qualifications: Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) in Systems, Combat Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a commitment to working towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive starting salary up to £57,100 per annum plus a performance bonus scheme.

• Pension & Share Plans: Comprehensive contributory pension scheme alongside employee share plans.

• Wellbeing & Lifestyle: Extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits, including private health plans, a green car scheme, and shopping discounts.