Engineer Senior Principal II - Space Vehicle Simulators - Program Technical Leader

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager of Space Vehicle Simulators, this role serves as the technical lead engineer for deliverable spacecraft simulator products. You will drive the architecture, design, development, integration, and technical execution of high‑fidelity Space Vehicle Digital Simulators and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) systems.

This position is ideal for a senior engineer who thrives on hands‑on technical leadership, guiding small engineering teams, and owning the technical integrity of complex simulator deliverable products to support our missions. You will partner closely with a dedicated Project Engineer who manages cost, schedule, and EVMS responsibilities, while you focus on technical direction, engineering execution, and mission success for one of our more complex programs.

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

What You’ll Do:

• Technical Leadership & Architecture:
  • Serve as the technical lead and primary engineering authority for spacecraft simulators across the full program lifecycle.
  • Define and communicate simulator system architecture, ensuring cohesive integration of software, hardware, and spacecraft subsystem models, and mission payloads.
  • Lead real‑time simulation development, model‑based design, and HIL integration activities.
  • Chair technical reviews, and internal design discussions.
  • Mentor and guide small teams of systems and software engineers.
  • Facilitate cross program technical exchange to facilitate lessons learned and optimal execution.
• Engineering Execution:
  • Design, develop, and implement real‑time simulations of spacecraft and space vehicle subsystems.
  • Perform full software lifecycle activities: requirements, architecture, design, coding, integration, test, and documentation.
  • Develop and validate requirements, verification plans, and sell‑off artifacts for internal and customer deliverables.
  • Identify technical risks early and drive mitigation strategies to ensure simulator performance, fidelity, and reliability.
  • Integrate flight‑like hardware, avionics interfaces, and embedded systems into simulation environments.
• Program & Customer Interface:
  • Act as the primary technical interface to spacecraft programs, subsystem leads, and customer engineering teams.
  • Present simulator design and technical status at PDR, CDR, technical interchange meetings, and customer reviews.
  • Support program‑facing activities by providing technical inputs to the Project Engineer for CAM/EVMS, proposals, and contract changes (without owning cost/schedule execution).
  • Understand customer needs and proactively shape simulator capabilities to support mission success.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
  • Drive adoption of modern DevSecOps, containerization, and secure software development practices.
  • Contribute to department‑wide risk, opportunity, and technology development initiatives.
  • Support proposal development and technical planning for new missions and programs.
• 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 five 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.

Short Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 10 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.
• A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph.
• Ability to obtain additional access as needed.
• Hands‑on experience developing real‑time simulations, model‑based designs, and HIL systems.
• Proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, including auto‑code generation (Embedded Coder, Simulink Coder, MATLAB Coder).
• Software engineering background with C/C and experience in Python, Ruby, Rust or similar languages.
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (Linux, VxWorks) and embedded systems.
• Knowledge of spacecraft or space hardware systems, including avionics interfaces and subsystem modeling.
• Experience integrating complex systems across space and ground segments.
• Experience developing and deploying OCI‑compliant containers.
• Proficiency with Podman and Kubernetes for container orchestration.
• Hands‑on experience with GitLab DevSecOps pipelines.
• Familiarity with secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices for high‑security environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to customers, subsystem leads, and internal leadership.
• Proven ability to drive technical decisions and maintain engineering rigor under schedule and mission pressures.

#LI-AP1

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317

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.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

Salary : $149,603 - $254,317