Engineer Senior Principal – Space Vehicle Systems / Simulators

Job Description

Our Aerospace & Mission Systems (AMS) division is seeking a Principal Systems/Software Engineer to join our Space Vehicle Simulator team. In this role, you will work at the forefront of hardware–software integration for space missions. The simulators we design and deliver function as system-level prototypes supporting critical program activities, including flight software development and test, risk‑reduction integration, ground system development, and mission operator training.

We are seeking an engineer with strong systems thinking, leadership, and ownership—someone who ensures simulator products meet their intended technical and operational use cases, from concept through delivery. This position reports to the Space Vehicle Simulators Engineering Manager and is ideal for candidates with a deep interest in aerospace systems and how satellites are developed, produced, operated, and tested.

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:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of real‑time simulations of space vehicles in both hardware‑in‑the‑loop and software‑only digital environments.
• Apply systems‑engineering rigor to define use cases, capture requirements, validate architectures, and ensure simulator products fulfill their mission‑critical applications across multiple stakeholders.
• Own technical decision‑making and provide leadership within the simulator development team, guiding architecture, integration strategies, and quality assurance.
• Perform full software lifecycle activities, including requirements development, architecture, design, coding, testing, integration, and documentation.
• Develop and deploy containerized simulation components using OCI‑compliant technologies such as Podman or Docker.
• Work within a collaborative Agile team using GitLab, coding standards, DevSecOps pipelines, and modern development practices.
• 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.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 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 or exposure to model‑based simulation development using C and MATLAB/Simulink; preference for candidates with auto‑code generation experience (Embedded Coder, Simulink Coder, MATLAB Coder).
• Experience designing, developing, and testing operational system software using languages such as C/C , Ruby, or Python.
• Understanding or experience with real‑time operating systems such as Linux and VxWorks.
• Experience with OCI‑compliant container technologies, including Podman or Docker, and deploying simulation services in containerized environments.
• Familiarity with control theory, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and processor‑in‑the‑loop simulation environments.
• Demonstrated systems engineering capability, including requirements development, verification, interface definition, architecture evaluation, and end‑use case validation.
• Experience with formal development practices including version control, coding standards, and style guides.

#LI-DM3

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

• BS degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

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, Inc.
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 : $132,962 - $226,035