Demo

Principal Engineer – Systems Operability

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Boulder, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 4/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/30/2026

Job Description

Join the Team Shaping the Future of Space Missions!

At BAE Systems Inc. Software and Ground Solution, our Systems Operability Engineers play a critical role in ensuring the technical success of space missions. As a key member of our team, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and test spacecraft and ground systems.

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:

  • Conduct in-depth systems engineering to analyze the performance and interdependencies of BAE Systems spacecraft subsystems and ground systems.
  • Develop and document clear, concise commands and telemetry for spacecraft operations, ensuring seamless communication throughout the development, integration, and test phases.
  • Manage and maintain spacecraft configurations via Flight Software Tables, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the mission lifecycle.
  • Design, implement, and maintain command and telemetry systems and tools for Spacecraft Integration and Test and BAE Systems Ground Systems.
  • Collaborate with teams to resolve anomalies and issues, utilizing strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Perform additional duties as required to support team objectives.
  • 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 of 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.
  • Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with large, distributed teams.
  • Solid interpersonal and leadership skills, with experience working with senior-level engineers and multiple disciplines.
  • Willingness to learn and develop technical skills through on-the-job training and professional growth.
  • Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations, including real-time anomaly resolution.
  • Proven troubleshooting skills, with the ability to translate user issues into actionable solutions.
#LI-AP1

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

Additional experience helpful in the following technologies:

  • COSMOS or other command & telemetry platform.
  • Ruby or Python scripting.


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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