Demo

FAST Labs - Senior Principal Software Engineer

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Merrimack, NH Full Time
POSTED ON 11/14/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/14/2026

Job Description
Join the Cutting-Edge Research and Development Team in FAST Labs™

The BAE Systems' FAST Labs team conducts research and development in the following areas to create advanced electronic solutions for the U.S. military. These areas include
  • Advanced Electronics
  • Autonomy
  • Sensors & Processing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Cyber Operations & Defense
We foster a "what's next" mentality, driving the creation of cutting-edge solutions that address the defense industry's most pressing challenges. Our goal is to deliver game-changing capabilities that enhance situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and improve operational efficiencies. By pushing the boundaries of what's possible, we're able to provide our warfighters with the strategic advantage they need to succeed. This critical work is core to our mission and reflects our unwavering commitment to "Protect Those Who Protect Us®”.

Join our team as a Senior Principal Software Engineer in FAST Labs Engineering

As a key member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge software projects, collaborating with others to design, develop, and implement innovative software solutions. Your work will involve:
  • Designing and evaluating complex software architectures: Contribute to the development of innovative software architectures, ensuring they meet customer requirements and are aligned with industry best practices.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams: Work closely with senior engineers, customers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement software solutions that meet customer needs.
  • Developing software applications: Design, develop, test, and integrate software applications in languages such as C , Python, and MATLAB, utilizing various technologies such as Cloud Native Technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Harbor, Helm) and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Driving agile development processes: Participate in agile development processes, contributing to the team's success and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions.
  • Interfacing with hardware devices: Develop software solutions that interface with hardware devices such as FPGAs, GPUs, and embedded SoCs, utilizing protocols such as UART, I2C, SPI, and CAN.
  • Applying DevSecOps and CI/CD practices: Ensure the security and integrity of software solutions by applying DevSecOps principles, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), and automated release management.
  • Utilizing containerization and cloud technologies: Develop software solutions utilizing containerization (e.g., Podman/Docker) and cloud technologies, ensuring scalability, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Developing software for RF, Radar, EO/IR, Electronic Warfare, or Software Defined Radio systems: Design, develop, and test software applications for systems related to RF, Radar, EO/IR, Electronic Warfare, or Software Defined Radio, including signal processing, data analysis, and system control.
Grow Your Career with a Purpose
At BAE Systems, we're committed to helping you achieve your full potential in the software engineering field. You'll be part of a high-performing team of passionate and motivated engineers who share a common goal: to protect our military service personnel and innovate for the greater good. Our mission is built on two core principles: "Protecting Those Who Protect Us" and "Innovating For Those Who Move The World". By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and advance your career through ongoing growth and development opportunities. We're dedicated to supporting your continued education and professional development, offering comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and tuition assistance to help you pursue advanced degrees or certifications. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in a specific area or take your career to the next level, we're committed to investing in your future and helping you achieve your goals.

We believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential to your success and well-being. That's why we prioritize flexibility and support your needs outside of work, so you can thrive in all aspects of your life. At BAE Systems, you'll find a culture that values your contributions, fosters collaboration and innovation, and recognizes the importance of balance and well-being. Join us and discover a career that's both challenging and rewarding, with a purpose that makes a real difference.

Work Environment
This role requires 100% on-site work at a BAE Systems facility due to the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and secure access to sensitive information. Occasional domestic travel may be required to support integration and test events.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Active Top Secret Clearance
  • Bachelor's Degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field
  • 6 years of professional software development
  • Advanced-level experience with Object Oriented design, development practices, and implementation in C 11 (or later)
  • Advanced-level experience developing for and operating in a Linux Environment
  • Knowledge of software architectures, industry best practices, and emerging software technologies
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing requirements


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Master's Degree or PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field
  • MATLAB Experience is a plus
  • Development experience with Python
  • General Purpose Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) OPENCL or CUDA development experience is highly desired
  • Experience in a rapid prototype environment
  • Real-time, embedded, multi-threaded, low latency development and/or Linux application development
  • Experience with DevSecOps, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), or automated release management
  • Experience with containerization (e.g. Podman/Docker) and developing software in containerized environments
  • Experience developing applications that cover several of: distributed, multi-threaded, real time, embedded, low latency, DSP, device control, or military systems.
  • Knowledge of Digital Engineering methodologies and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices.


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $130355 - $221603

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 Electronic 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. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

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.

Salary : $130,355 - $221,603

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