Principal Engineer - Test and Evaluation

Job Title: Principal Engineer - Test & Evaluation

Location: Bishopton. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £58,258

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 responsible for the effective management and implementation of the customer's requirements from drafting the initial estimate, for the proposed scope of work being undertaken, to delivery of the final test report. You will ensure that the necessary resources are in place to meet the customer's requirements and use effective communication to manage their expectations, as defined in the scope of work, and report back at agreed at key milestones.

Core Duties

• Responsible for the development, modification, and validation of new and existing methods within the quality management system
• Technical responsibility for the conduct of specified projects, including the design and procurement of jigs and fixtures
• Implementing test and evaluation quality management strategy
• Developing and monitoring test and evaluation plans
• Auditing of test and evaluation processes, supplier audit and evaluation
• Where necessary, determining test results comply with any agreed conformity specifications and reporting of conformity is correct based on the agreed decision rule

Essential Skills

• You will have experience in a relevant engineering field post formal training, together with demonstrable experience in a Test and Evaluation environment
• You will have the ability to compile clear and accurate test reports which will meet the requirements of the customer, the regularity authority and/or any legal requirement
• You will have knowledge of Defence, National and International Standards including, Def Stan 00-35, BS EN 60068, MIL-STAN 810, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001
• You will have experience and a working knowledge of Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (WOME)
• You will have knowledge of Dynamic and Climatic testing

The Engineering team

The Principal Engineer - Test and Evaluation is the primary focus point for customers with respect to tests and evaluations being undertaken within the Environmental Test Facility at Bishopton. They will liaise with the trials delivery team to clarify/resolve issues with the tests.

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: 26th November 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.