Hardware Engineer

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.

Job Title: Hardware Engineer

Location: Great Baddow (Hybrid working)

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.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced and driven Hardware Engineer to join our growing capability team focused on the development of advanced RF systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on hardware specialist with deep expertise in RF, FPGA, and high-speed digital design, who thrives in a multi-disciplinary environment and excels in delivering innovative hardware solutions from concept through to demonstrator.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Design & Development:
• Design and develop RF and high-speed digital hardware solutions, including RF front ends, FPGA-based processing platforms, and mixed-signal systems from concept through to demonstrator (TRL 2–6+).
• FPGA & SoC Implementation:
• Develop high-quality, complex FPGA designs on Xilinx devices, leveraging a strong understanding of FPGA and SoC architectures to deliver high-performance embedded processing solutions.
• PCB Design & Layout:
• Perform RF and analogue PCB circuit design and layout from VLF through to microwave frequencies, alongside high-speed digital PCB design incorporating FPGAs, SoCs, ADCs, and DACs.

Essential Requirements

• Strong background in RF hardware engineering, particularly in Radar and/or Electronic Warfare domains (or related).
• Proven ability to produce high-quality, complex FPGA designs on Xilinx devices.
• Solid understanding of FPGA and SoC architectures.
• Experience in RF and analogue PCB circuit design and layout from VLF to microwave frequencies.
• Experience in high-speed digital PCB circuit design and layout, including FPGAs, SoCs, ADCs, and DACs.
• Good understanding of RF subsystems, including antennas, front-end electronics, and signal chains.
• Experience in hardware prototyping, integration, and test.

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.

We welcome applications from all candidates and give full, fair and open consideration to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please
contact our recruitment team to discuss any further support you may need. Connect with us at baesystems.com/connect

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.

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.