Systems Engineer: Photonics and Acoustics

BAE Systems.
Chelmsford
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Electronics Engineer

Photonics IC Engineer

Drone Pilot Operator

Graduate R&D Laser Engineer

Laser Applications Engineer

Optical Engineer – Waveguide Design

Location(s):UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Great Baddow

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

In Digital Intelligence the Defence Business Unit delivers solutions to complex multi-domain communication problems from the sea bed to outer space. We link information from operator, sensors, tactical systems, to provide fused information in a timely fashion to support decision making. We provide advanced mission planning and logistics applications to ensure the delivery military effect. We are world leaders in communications, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, securing data for communication and processing and providing advanced training for the systems and platform that BAE Systems delivers.

The Innovation & Technology group within the Defence Business Unit is the research and technology arm of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence business. In partnership with the other businesses and educational establishments with whom we work, we innovate and develop to transform aspiration and vision into engineered reality.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and professional Engineer/Scientist into the Photonics and Acoustics Group based in Great Baddow, near Chelmsford, Essex.

The Photonics and Acoustics Group undertakes research and development in a range of areas that encompasses the use and application of photonics, acoustics, and other modalities to solve real-world engineering problems, including:

• Optical communications

• Multi-domain communications and networking

• Novel imaging systems

• Sensor systems

• Detection and classification of explosives

• Acoustics

About you:

You should ideally have experience in working on one or more of the above topics, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience in adjacent technologies and be motivated to work on the above.

The role would suit someone with a strong academic background, or who has worked in industry on the development of low TRL technologies, potentially taking them through to product. A higher degree or equivalent experience in Photonics, or a closely related engineering/physics subject, would be an advantage.

You will be expected to provide both technical and practical input into programmes, support bidding activities, and take an active role in securing future work.

You must be able to attain UK SC clearance.

Skills/Experiences:

• A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Physics; Electronic/Electrical Engineering; or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.

• A background in physics, electrical engineering or a related discipline.

• Experience in systems integration, development, and prototyping.

• Solid grounding in engineering with experience in an engineering or technology based environment, working on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

• Member of a relevant professional body, preferably a Chartered Engineer or equivalent, would be advantageous.

• Ability to assess and understand the impact of emerging technologies and how these can be applied to solve real-world problems.

• Highly motivated with the ability to quickly digest and apply new concepts and develop novel solutions to challenging problems.

• Able to understand, influence and talk with credibility (in terms of engineering principles) about areas of technology outside of own area of specific expertise.

• Good communication skills, able to present effectively to customers and at conferences if appropriate.

• Ability to work with customers or other stakeholders to capture requirements and highlight the risks and opportunities in a plan.

• Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, to lead or be part of a team, and respect the opinions of others.

• Continually build and maintain friendly, reciprocal, and warm relationships with networks of people who may be able to assist in business winning and delivery.

Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

We are embracing Hybrid Working. This means you and your colleagues may be working in different locations, such as from home, another BAE Systems office or client site, some or all of the time, and work might be going on at different times of the day.

By embracing technology, we can interact, collaborate and create together, even when we’re working remotely from one another. Hybrid Working allows for increased flexibility in when and where we work, helping us to balance our work and personal life more effectively, and enhance well-being.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. We are proud to have an organisational culture where employees with varying perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds – the best and brightest minds – can work together to achieve excellence and realise individual and organisational potential.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Quantum Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Quantum Computing Job?

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology — and the job market reflects that excitement. But for aspiring practitioners, the sheer number of tools, frameworks, programming languages and hardware platforms can feel overwhelming. One job advert mentions Qiskit, another talks about Cirq or Pennylane. You see references to quantum annealers and superconducting qubits, to measurement hardware and simulators, to noise mitigation libraries and cloud platforms. It’s easy to conclude that unless you master every quantum tool, you’ll never get a job. Here’s the honest truth most quantum computing hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real problems and explain why your solutions work. Tools matter, but context, understanding, judgement and results matter more. So how many quantum computing tools do you actually need to know to succeed in a job search? The real answer is significantly fewer than most people assume — and far more focused by role. This article breaks down what tools really matter in quantum jobs, which ones are core, which are role-specific, and how you can build a coherent toolkit that employers actually value.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Quantum Computing Job Applications (UK Guide)

Quantum computing is one of the fastest-evolving fields in technology, blending physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering. Roles in this space — from Quantum Algorithm Developer and Quantum Software Engineer to Quantum Research Scientist and Quantum Hardware Specialist — are highly sought after, and hiring managers are exceptionally selective. Because quantum computing is complex and multidisciplinary, recruiters and hiring managers look for clear, concrete evidence of relevant expertise and impact right at the start of your application. They often decide whether to read your CV in detail within the first 10–20 seconds, based on a handful of high-value signals. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in quantum computing applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, and what you can do to optimise your application to get noticed in the UK quantum job market.

Riverlane Jobs in Quantum Computing

If you’re looking for Riverlane jobs in quantum computing, you’re aiming at one of the most important layers in the quantum stack: quantum error correction (QEC). In simple terms, Riverlane focuses on the software, methods & tooling that help quantum computers produce reliable results despite noise. That matters because as quantum hardware scales, the ability to correct errors becomes the difference between “interesting experiments” and “useful quantum computing”. This guide is written for UK job seekers who want to understand: what Riverlane does (in job-seeker language) the roles they hire for the skills that map best to their work how to tailor your CV & LinkedIn how to prepare for interviews how to find & land Riverlane vacancies in the UK You do not need to be a quantum PhD to have a realistic pathway in. But you do need to understand the problem they’re solving & position your experience around it.