BAE Systems
Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems)

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Job Title: Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems)
Location: Rochester, Onsite
Salary: Up to £57,000 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 the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow - shaping a safer future, for all of us.
Job Description:
As a Senior Hardware Engineer (Test Systems), you will be responsible for understanding customer needs and collaborate with stakeholders to develop, validate, and manage complex requirements for new products.
As well as this, you will apply a breadth of engineering knowledge to design and develop test solutions or updates, resolving complex engineering issues and problems for a range of products such as displays, controls or mission computers.
Core Duties:
- Undertake the test equipment integration, analysis, and testing of real-time systems involving multiple technical disciplines (electronic, mechanical, optical, and software) in laboratory environments
- Obtain validation of engineering data, analysis methodologies, and test results through modelling, rigorous review and audit
- Provide realistic programme status updates in terms of progress, earned value or time, identifying potential problem areas or opportunities and implementing recovery
- Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders (managers, leads, customers and suppliers) to ensure requirements are captured and maintained effectively and integrated into the wider engineering development phases
- Manage technical work packages of test systems engineering tasks, taking accountability for collaborative execution and associated outcomes.
- Coaching, mentoring, and nurturing talent in other engineers to support professional growth and technical excellence within the discipline
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Essential Skills:
- Proven experience developing test equipment in relevant product markets/domains
- Extensive experience in engineering lifecycle
- Technical expertise developed through job-related training and work experience
- Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.
The Electronic Systems team:
You will be working as part of a multi-disciplined, integrated project team developing innovative Test Equipment solutions using the latest technology, where we welcome new ideas and approaches and supporting the program, repairs and aftermarket service.
This role will provide you with a great opportunity to be part of a diverse and growing team, where ideas and development is encouraged, with opportunities to direct ladder or sidestep into other areas of the BAE Systems organisation.
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: 23rd 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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