Principal Engineer – Systems Test

Principal Engineer

We are seeking an action-oriented engineer with intellectual curiosity who is excited to apply their potential to testing space flight hardware. The position involves joining a spacecraft/space vehicle test team as a test engineer, with a strong focus on testing flight hardware. As a Principal Engineer at BAE Systems, you will work closely with and be mentored by experts in the field. You may have the opportunity to lead a significant test activity on a large space vehicle program, lead a subsystem on a small to mid-size project, or contribute significantly to the development of new test tools in support of the department.

What You'll Do:

• Work in a fast-paced team environment to integrate and test spacecraft hardware.
• Work in cleanroom and lab environments to verify that the hardware meets requirements and characterize/calibrate its performance.
• Write, review, and update proposal responses and study reports, focusing on assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) for spacecraft buses and integrated space vehicles, including their payloads.
• Develop the program integration and test approach and generate AI&T flows that cover component testing through launch operations.
• Identify ground support equipment (GSE) required for assembly, integration, test, and launch operations.
• Identify required facilities and equipment for AI&T.
• Provide time-phased labor estimates for assembly, integration, and test.
• Evaluate the impact of contractual documents and requirements on AI&T.
• Identify creative opportunities to reduce the cost, schedule, and risk of AI&T.
• Make informed decisions, often with limited information, and be prepared to re-evaluate, adapt, and update as circumstances evolve and change.
• Identify, document, and communicate the assumptions, limitations, and risks associated with AI&T.
• Identify internal and external dependencies required for AI&T to succeed.
• Identify IRAD and company overhead improvement efforts that would benefit department growth and new business pursuits.
• Establish effective working relationships with a diverse group of external customers and partners.
• Lead and mentor other engineers in proposal, study, and early-phase activities supporting new business.
• Leverage and grow a detailed understanding of spacecraft systems, subsystems, space vehicles, and launch operations.
• Present to peers, management, and external customers and partners.
• Collaborate with system and subsystem engineers, proposal leads, new business personnel, support groups, and other program personnel.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 6 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Experience in testing spacecraft, space vehicles, and their related components and systems.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages is required: JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or Go.
• Familiarity with software unit testing.
• Excellent communication skills, including solid presentation abilities.
• A thorough understanding of test processes, including defining test strategies, test plans, and test procedures.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools and strong computer skills.
• Selected applicants may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• The ability to generate tools and resources to support proposal, study, and new business activities.

A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• A current, active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience with software development processes.
• Experience with database architecture, coding, and system management.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines in GitLab, as well as HTML and CSS.
• Demonstrated mentoring, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Experience with test automation applications and tools.
• Space or military experience.
• Familiarity with cost and schedule estimates for spacecraft/space vehicle assembly, integration, test, and launch operations.
• The ability to identify IRAD and company overhead improvement efforts that would benefit department growth and new business pursuits.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $115779 - $196825 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services.

Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale.

At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.