Senior System Architect – Payload

Salary: £40,000 - 70,000 per year

Requirements:

• A degree in Engineering or a related subject.
• Full membership of an appropriate engineering institution and Chartered Engineer status, or actively working towards it.
• Extensive experience in maritime payload integration and system-of-systems architecture.
• Deep knowledge of defence sensors, effectors, ISR and mission systems.
• Applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard as a minimum. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting and typically 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency, depending on the vetting level. Security and export-control restrictions may also affect eligibility.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, integration and assurance of maritime mission system payloads, including sensors, effectors, ISR and autonomous capabilities.
• Define modular, vendor-agnostic architectures for payloads operating across complex force-level environments.
• Lead architecture for sensors, effectors, ISR and mission payloads.
• Define payload integration standards, interfaces and design principles.
• Ensure interoperability across platforms, mission systems and off-board assets.
• Embed safety, survivability and assurance within payload architectures.
• Champion open, modular and scalable payload solutions.
• Influence stakeholders on payload strategy and integration approaches.
• Work with customers, suppliers, programme teams and enterprise partners to deliver interoperable, resilient solutions optimised for maritime operations.
• Shape future payload strategies and architectural direction, supporting next-generation mission capabilities for domestic and export programmes.

Technologies:

• Architect
• Support
• Security
• Network

More:

We are BAE Systems, a global defence, aerospace and security company developing technology-led solutions. This Senior System Architect – Payload role is based in Portsmouth (Broad Oak), Filton or Dorchester, with hybrid working and three days on site. It involves routine travel to other southern BAE sites in the UK and occasional international travel. Salary is up to £89,520, depending on experience. You will join our dynamic, expanding Naval Ships Combat Systems business as part of a highly skilled team shaping future maritime mission systems across domestic and international programmes. We offer purposeful work, lifelong learning, career development, recognition and tailored rewards, support for financial and personal wellbeing, and a balanced lifestyle. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where people feel valued and supported. The closing date is 14 October 2026, though we may close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

last updated 40 week of 2026