Principal Engineer – Systems Engineering (Requirements & Acceptance)
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£46,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2129 (71% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £46,100, and BAE Systems is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, BAE Systems assigned 7 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2129 jobs, according to the Home Office.
This could also be SOC 2126 (Aerospace engineers) or SOC 2481 (Quality control and planning engineers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2129 Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified Most likely code | £33,400 | £36,900 | £41,500 | £46,100 |
2126 Aerospace engineers Also possible | £36,700 | £41,900 | £47,200 | £52,400 |
2481 Quality control and planning engineers Also possible | £33,400 | £33,400 | £37,500 | £41,700 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Location: Barrow-In-Furness, Coventry or Filton
Salary: Negotiable depending on 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
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will lead the development, management and validation of system requirements across submarine programmes. You will be applying your systems engineering expertise to define, document and maintain requirements throughout the design lifecycle, while facilitating technical clarifications to impacted project teams. Opportunities within the role include supporting customer requirements development for the SSNA programme and managing challenging programme requirements within the DOORS requirements management database.
Core Duties
- You will be responsible for leading the Management of the Requirements Repository Database; either for the programme database, or your specific area
- Lead the capturing and analysing of stakeholder needs and requirements
- You will lead the development of good quality system requirements (and the way those requirements validate the stakeholder needs) in alignment with the acceptance criteria
- You will be responsible for ensuring that requirements and the supporting module remain under configuration control
- Support the development of estimates for the scope of work and resources required to deliver projects, enabling bids, proposal development and project planning activities from a process and governance perspective
- You will require significant knowledge and expertise in Requirements Management and facilitation alongside process and practices in the defence, maritime or closely linked industry
- A familiarity and understanding with DOORS Classic will be required
- You will need to have gained experience in the structure and collation of requirement Validation and Verification activities and engagement
- Knowledge of the engineering lifecycle with experience of operating in the phase relevant to the role and awareness of the entire engineering lifecycle
- You will require a strong understanding of related projects, products, programme, domain, discipline and functional teams within the Submarine enterprise, or equivalent external organisations
Join us in the team where we are working at the forefront of one of the UK’s most significant and complex defence programmes and playing a key role in shaping requirements is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of a nationally important submarine programme, supporting the development of our future Submarine fleet.
The role offers excellent visibility, significant technical challenge and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on programme delivery and capability development. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive
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: 28th October 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.
#hybrid
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with BAE Systems, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified (SOC 2129) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~167k in sample- Middle half £37,856–59,488
- Median £46,280
- Going rate £46,100
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–41,500
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at BAE SystemsAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. BAE Systems holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, BAE Systems assigned 7 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2129 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2129 going rate of £46,100. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.