Principal C++ Software Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 16, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 14, 2026. BAE Systems scores B on the Alion truth index.
Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Manchester
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.
Principal C++ Software Engineer
Location: Manchester
These roles require 5 days/ week on site. We offer a range of flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
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 looking for experienced Principal Software Engineers with technical depth in C++ who want to have a real impact, and who are keen to apply their creative thinking to the ever-changing space of cybersecurity.
Core duties
- Technical delivery: understand and use various development methodologies to deliver solutions to our customers, factoring in operational security into system design, development, and testing.
- Mentorship, team-leadership, and collaboration: work in teams to deliver high-assurance code, conducting constructive peer review, and knowledge sharing with junior team-members.
- Implementing robust solutions: design, develop, test, and document software in accordance with business & industry best practices, to meet our customer requirements, leveraging continuous integration where appropriate.
- Adaptability: embrace emerging technology, tools, and language trends, while identifying the risks that they could present.
- Security mindset: be capable of identifying flaws during solution design and implementation, along with mitigations.
What we’re looking for:
- Familiarity with a variety of development tools (IDEs, debuggers, source control) and techniques (unit testing, mocking, continuous integration, test-driven development).
- Knowledge of the principles of high-assurance development, and an awareness of the importance of IT security for companies and governments.
- Intermediate to advanced understanding of computing principles (e.g. stack/heap distinction, compiled/interpreted languages).
- Proficiency with at least one solution language (e.g. C++, Java, C#) and one utility language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, Perl, PowerShell).
- Ability to use and configure more than one major operating system.
- Ability to pick up new languages and technologies easily.
- Ability to communicate regarding technical topics to a variety of audiences, including non-technical.
- Experience of mentoring others and/or leading technical tasks.
The team
Operational Cyber Group is a team of industry-leading experts in high-assurance development, research, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research.With a focus on National Security, we work on some of the country’s toughest challenges. Our people provide mission-changing capability for our customers across a wide variety of platforms and technologies.
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.
Security statement
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.
Applicants for these particular roles will need to be able to successfully achieve an eDV UK security clearance. For more details see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/dv-guidance-pack-for-applicants
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.
Division overview: Capabilities
At BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, we pride ourselves in being a leader in the cyber defence industry, and Capabilities is the engine that keeps the business moving forward. It is the largest area of Digital Intelligence, containing our Engineering, Consulting and Project Management teams that design and implement the defence solutions and digital transformation projects that make us a globally recognised brand in both the public and private sector.
As a member of the Capabilities team, you will be creating and managing the solutions that earn us our place in an ever changing digital world. We all have a role to play in defending our clients, and this is yours.