Job Title: Principal Software Engineer (Control Systems)

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, onsite.

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

Salary: Circa £58,000

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.

Job Description:

As a Principal Engineer, you will be working within the software engineering team within our Barrow site working in the full lifecycle for safety critical software from design through implementation and unit testing.

Our principal engineers are key members of the team and are responsible to the engineering manager for the delivery of packages of work, this includes the leadership/mentorship of engineering staff.

Core duties:

• Design of Safety Critical PLC and SCADA application software for the Dreadnought PMS System

• Development of safety critical Software for PLC and SCADA based control systems

• Testing of Safety Critical Software modules prior to handover to the system testing team

• Configuration of software builds to support testing activities at all levels

• Configuration management

• Liaising with the engineering teams and external clients

Essential Skills:

• Degree qualified to BEng or equivalent

• Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartered Engineer Status

• Experience of software and equipment development

• Experience of developing PLC and SCADA applications throughout the full lifecycle for safety critical systems in highly regulated industries

• Experience of working with some of the following PLC and SCADA products:

  • Siemens S7-1500 utilising TIA Portal
  • WinCC OA SCADA
  • Rockwell Controllogix
  • GE Mark ViES PLC
  • Trinity (Honeywell) iDefine modelling

• Experience of: Submarine, Marine, Nuclear, Defence, Pharmaceutical control system design and manufacture

The Platform Mechanical team:

You’ll join the Platform Mechanical Integrated Delivery Team — a dynamic, collaborative engineering group working at the forefront of submarine platform development. The team brings together engineers from across disciplines, career levels, and partner organisations to deliver critical mechanical capability. Through close engagement with suppliers, systems engineers, and programme stakeholders, you’ll play a central role in shaping high-integrity technical solutions, supporting team development, and ensuring delivery remains aligned with the wider programme plan and budget.

The PMS system is one of the most important elements of the Dreadnought Class Submarine as it provides central controls and indication for vital systems on board the submarine, such as the reactor plant and secondary propulsion systems. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

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.

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.

Closing Date: 12th October 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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