Chief Software Engineer

About the Role

As a Chief Software Engineer at BAE Systems Rochester, you will be instrumental in providing critical discipline expertise across the entire engineering lifecycle. This role supports product realisation for the Rochester portfolio, reporting to the Head of Systems and Software Engineering. You will be responsible for guiding technical direction, enhancing engineering practices, and ensuring the successful delivery of robust software solutions from concept through to production. A key aspect of this position involves shaping solution architectures and influencing strategic bid processes.

This role also encompasses providing proactive coaching and mentoring to engineers at all levels. You will support software execution planning, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis, contributing significantly to the development of technical strategies, improving delivery effectiveness, and ensuring engineering teams are well-equipped to meet demanding programme requirements.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Stay abreast of key technology developments and roadmaps relevant to software engineering disciplines.
• Proactively engage with key stakeholders to ensure discipline processes and approaches align with product realisation strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships with technology strategic partners, customers, and working groups.
• Support the execution of development programmes by providing proactive coaching and promoting sound engineering practices, with due consideration for cost and schedule impacts.
• Contribute to the application and evolution of Rochester Engineering alongside other Chief Functional Engineers within the group.
• Champion the adoption of site-wide Engineering change programmes, including Model Based Engineering and Digital Transformation.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to engineers, including support towards IET chartership.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Deep technical understanding of Software and the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching engineers throughout their career journeys.
• Understanding of DO-178 and its application to the software development lifecycle at various Design Assurance Levels (DALs).
• A Degree or equivalent in an engineering-related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.

The Software Engineering Team

You will join a team of experienced, passionate, and innovative engineers dedicated to creating world-leading control and display systems. This is an exceptionally exciting and challenging role, offering the opportunity to design products for some of the world's most advanced commercial and military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Why BAE Systems?

At BAE Systems, you can build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. We foster a culture of lifelong learning and meaningful work, empowering you to grow your career with confidence and reach your full potential. Your contributions will be recognised, and you'll enjoy rewards tailored to your needs, alongside support for your financial and personal wellbeing, and a balanced lifestyle. We are committed to sustainable working practices and a strong sense of shared purpose, creating a supportive environment where you can belong and make a real difference.

Inclusivity

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Security and Export Control

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may affect your eligibility for certain roles based on factors such as your nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically necessitates 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK, depending on the vetting level required.

Closing Date

20th July 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.