Job Description

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Principal Systems Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 23220
Job Closing Date: 24 September 2025
London, GBR, W1A 1AA
JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: Technology Group / HIPE Infrastructure
LOCATION: London - Hybrid
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: 60,000 - 70,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application - though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
We're looking for a skilled and proactive Principal Systems Engineer to help design, implement, and support complex infrastructure solutions across a range of platforms and technologies.
The HIPE Server Support Team is a relatively new team that exists to provide various aspects of support for several different aspects of the IAAS virtual platform which hosts a variety of internal and external BBC services. Our aim is to provide a quality, reliable and accommodating service.
As a Principal Systems Engineer in our team, you can expect to be exposed to numerous technologies and processes as well as interacting with other technical teams in the department as well as those users whom we support. There is also the opportunity to develop new skills via training, because we understand the need to stay up to date and fresh in a constantly changing technical world.
Principal Systems Engineers are responsible for planning, design, implementation, integration and testing of systems to continuously improve the engineering planning and delivery processes.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
We are a relatively small team, involved in working on cutting-edge technologies, solving complex problems, providing technical solutions and working on long-term technical projects. This means you will be exposed to and involved in choosing and evaluating the latest tech for the team and department as a whole.
We also collaborate with other technical teams to develop and deliver solutions, making it a great environment for teamwork. We can also offer a dynamic work environment, continuous learning and career growth..
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• Technical Leadership: Shape technical roadmaps, lead engineering teams, and align strategic direction with enterprise architecture goals.
• System Design & Delivery: Oversee the end-to-end design, integration, testing, and commissioning of media systems to meet evolving business needs.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure systems are effectively monitored, supported, and maintained throughout their lifecycle, including robust testing and documentation practices.
• Collaboration & Communication: Partner with stakeholders, vendors, and project teams to deliver solutions, communicate technical plans, and support informed decision-making.
• Mentorship & Innovation: Mentor team members, stay ahead of industry trends, and champion the adoption of new technologies to drive continuous improvement.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Systems Design & Vendor Collaboration: Proven experience working with system vendors to evaluate and implement new solutions, with strong knowledge of emerging technologies. Skilled in planning, design, and consultancy alongside project managers, technical leads, and product owners.
• Operating Systems Expertise: Hands-on experience with all versions of Windows Server, RHEL (6-9), and both current and legacy Ubuntu OS. Certifications in any of these platforms are a plus.
• Toolset & Infrastructure: Proficient in enterprise tools and systems including SCCM, Hytrust KMS, Ansible, Foreman, and Packer. Experience with VMware vCenter, NSX, and backup solutions such as Veeam and Cohesity.
• Documentation & Mentorship: Ability to produce clear technical documentation and effectively hand over procedures. Experience mentoring team members on new technologies.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience representing the organization in external forums and effectively communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Technical Breadth: Familiarity with media and web technologies, including cloud computing, IP-based systems, and broadcast or data centre infrastructure.
• Operational Insight: Strong understanding of media technology workflows and support systems within operational environments.

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
For any general queries, please contact:
Redeployment
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
Information at a Glance
This is your BBC
At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world's best loved content, and the BBC's mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Life at BBC
Here you will benefit from:

• Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis.
Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong
We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Disability confident
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we'd be happy to discuss:
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BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: 01420028, registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.
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Skills Required