BAE Systems
Engineering Specialist – Systems – Assistant System Design Authority – Hybrid Navy Capability

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Job Title: Assistant System Design Authority
Location: Various locations across the UK & Scotland – up to 2 days on site. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Circa £74,290 dependent 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 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.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an Assistant System Design Authority you will undertake a defined range of engineering activities in line with all relevant processes and quality requirements under the direction of the Strategic Developments (SD) System Design Authority (SDA). The role supports the definition, development, assurance and design certification of technical solutions for multiple product workstreams within the highly complex Hybrid Navy mission system capability & integration programme – the existential programme at the heart of Naval Ships Combat Systems strategic future business strategy.
Core Duties
- You will lead the development and review of specifications, ensuring designs fully comply with technical, performance and quality standards, are robust and safe.
- You will conduct design appraisals to maintain the highest levels of engineering integrity of the Hybrid Navy capability projects to which they are assigned (this may be multiple coherent workstreams for multiple customers).
- You will perform technical analyses and investigations, evaluate and select appropriate engineering solutions, and produce authoritative technical reports with recommendations that address issues and enhance engineering capability.
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Essential Skills
- Ability to operate in a large, complex multi-project environment.
- Able to document high level design and rationale solutions for low level designers/implementation teams to consume.
- Able to review and critically feedback suggested improvements/shortfalls across the engineering team.
- Strategic mind-set to be able to consider the influence on whole Hybrid Navy programme.
- Academic qualification in a STEM related subject, and ability/willingness to become a Chartered Engineer through an appropriate recognised professional institution.
The Combat Systems Team
Join a collaborative, cross-site team that embraces hybrid working, innovative technologies, and modern ways of working. You’ll be part of an exciting environment delivering new capabilities that support the ongoing advancement of Royal Navy systems.
Working on high-profile and business-critical projects, the team develops and assures complex software solutions designed for operation within naval ship environments. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology programmes that have a direct impact on the future of maritime defence capabilities.
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.


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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: 2nd October 2026, interviews for this role will take place w/c 12th October
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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