Demo

Principal Engineer – Algorithm Development

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Aurora, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 4/22/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/22/2026

Job Description

Join the BAE Systems - SMS Mission Engineering Team! As a Mission Data Processing (MDP) Algorithm Development Engineer, you will design and develop algorithms and models for implementation on and prediction of performance for real-time payload systems.

What You’ll Do:

  • Sample algorithms include but are not image processing, clutter suppression, detection, estimation, open- and closed-loop tracking, uncorrelated track determination, Target Object Mapping, Initial Orbit Determination (IOD) and/or Orbit Determination (OD).
  • Develop embedded, real-time image/track processing algorithms using temporal, spatial, and/or spectral processing of EO/IR data.
  • Support the architecture, design, and development of algorithms, software and hardware systems for a variety of applications including mission data processing systems for Remote Sensing, Space Situational Awareness, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, Tactical Solutions, and more.
  • Develop and communicate mission-level understanding to peers and customers.
  • Perform system engineering and modeling & simulation for a variety of tactical and surveillance missions.
  • Provide technical direction to junior engineers through the development lifecycle.
  • 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 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.
  • A current, active Top Secret security clearance is required.
  • Experience with computational science and/or applying advanced math skills to engineering problems.
  • Ability to independently solve new algorithm challenges and generate high-level code to develop and analyze algorithm performance.
  • Experience with Matlab, Python, or C .
  • Ability to operate at the system level.
  • Capability to interact, and work with all engineering disciplines.
  • A self-starter mindset and the ability to work both independently and on a team.
  • Solid communication, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills plus an ability to lead group discussions.


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • BS degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Math, Physics or a related technical field.
  • Prior experience working in and with controlled, classified security environments.
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas: Track Processing and/or Image Processing; Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning; Mission Data Processing experience in OPIR, Space Situational / Domain Awareness (SSA / SDA), and/or Space Control; Data Processing for Remote Sensing or other raw data through actionable products; GPU, FPGA, and/or High Performance Computing (cluster) processing implementations; Initial Orbit Determination, Orbit Determination, and/or 3D trajectory estimation; Understanding and/or experience with implementation of embedded systems; Understanding and/or experience with spectral phenomenology.


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

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 : $118,095 - $200,762

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