Technical Fellow Senior Principal III - EOIR Payload Architect

Job Description

The Mission Area Payload Chief Architect, Electro-Optical Systems, will lead the conceptual development and detailed design of complex electro-optical space segments for BAE’s most strategic mission level pursuits. The Mission Area Payload Chief Architect will lead multi-disciplinary teams that focus on all aspects of high-performance Electro-Optical space systems, including optical payloads, thermal control, line of sight control, system jitter performance, payload electronics, on-board processing, on-board automation, sensor subsystems, spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems, ground systems, and the space segment ecosystem of hardware and software simulators and test environments. The candidate must have knowledge and familiarity with all aspects of Space Vehicle development and engineering, including architecture, design, systems engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, test, launch, ground systems, commissioning, mission operations, and anomaly resolution.

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:

• Leadership and Team Management:
  • Lead multi-disciplinary technical teams to perform cost versus performance value trades, leading to strategically focused space segment architectures which meet mission requirements and align with BAE business roadmaps.
  • Engage with Supply Chain Leads to understand the current state of the supply chain and key suppliers to help support value trades within the architecture.
  • Ensure team alignment with business unit goals and foster a collaborative environment to enhance program execution and new business pursuits.
  • Foster strong collaboration across the program team, ensuring alignment across program managers, technical leads, and sub-element teams.
  • Mentor and grow technical leaders across the multi-disciplinary Space Vehicle Engineering team.
  • Act as a technical liaison between subsystem technical leads and individual contributors to resolve issues, drive innovation, and meet program objectives.
• Mission Level Architecture:
  • Develop initial concept designs and leads key trades to identify best value electro-optical space segment architectures.
  • Lead contracted and internal technical studies to architect electro-optical space segments to meet challenging Customer mission requirements.
  • Identify and lead development of key mission models and simulations.
  • Identify key performance analyses that are needed to support trades and mission level performance predictions.
  • Engage with potential subsystem suppliers to understand their technical offerings, maturity, and risks.
  • Consider all DFx (Design for Test, Design for Manufacturing, etc.) in development of the architecture.
  • Work closely with Mission Assurance (MA) Managers to understand Customer MA requirements and impact on the space segment design, constraints, and cost.
  • Work closely with Information Assurance (IA) to ensure the architectures are compatible with the standards and requirements of the Customer communities.
• Business Capture and Transition to Program Execution
  • Work closely with Customers, Program Managers, and other business unit representatives to influence technical and programmatic requirements for future acquisitions.
  • Collaborate with Customer and Industry Partners to identify future opportunities that align with BAE System’s business roadmap.
  • Support the BAE Systems Bid/No Bid process for opportunities.
  • Support the BAE Systems Make/Busy process for key elements of the architecture.
  • Evaluate and manage mission impacting program changes (ECPs/CCBs) using a close loop change management process.
  • Mission level technical point of contact for BAE internal Lifecycle Management (LCM) Independent Design Reviews.
  • Support program management in developing technical content to support BAE’s LCM bid authorization reviews with Executive Leadership.
  • Lead transition from business development to program execution, including:
    • Identification of technical / performance risks and opportunities early in the architecture development
    • Develop risk mitigation activities that will burn down risk through the lifecycle of the Program
    • Lead and document trade studies
    • Identify technology on-ramps which align with BAE’s business road map
  • Actively manage technical baseline through the early development phase of the architecture.
  • Delegate tasks and decision-making to the appropriate levels of authority.
  • Ensure adherence to government and company regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Customer Engagement, Communication and Cross-Functional Coordination:
  • Be the primary Customer point of contact for technical briefings, mission performance briefings, and lead all mission level technical gate reviews.
  • Facilitate clear and effective communication of program priorities, progress, and decisions across all levels of the program.
  • Support the program and business unit by consolidating and presenting program status updates, issues, risks, and opportunities.
  • Facilitate resolution of cross-functional technical challenges by connecting resources and expertise across teams.
  • Facilitate clear and regular communication throughout the program team to help ensure the team stays informed of priorities, status, changes, and direction. Also strive to maintain positive morale and strong working relationships.
• Program Development and Growth:
  • Support strategic planning for follow-on activities, including capture planning, execution strategies, program planning and initiation.
  • Collaborate with leadership on discretionary investment strategies (IRAD, internal projects, etc.) to position the program and the business unit competitively for future opportunities.
• Mentorship and Development:
  • Serve as a mentor to developing project engineers and technical leads, promoting professional growth and leadership development within the architecture teams.
  • Advocate for team members’ needs and career development, ensuring a motivated and high-performing workforce.
• Operational Excellence:
  • Lead or facilitate lessons-learned initiatives to apply insights to current and future 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.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS/BA in related field plus 12 years or more 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 with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph.
• Experience on one or more aspects of design, development, production, and test of sensor systems, spacecraft, and space missions for defense and IC Customers.
• Experience in program and procurement management responsibilities for space systems.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in leading design development teams and new business capture activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with demanding customers, difficult schedules, and technically challenging projects.
• Excellent customer and business acumen.
• Excellent written communication and proposal writing skills.
• Superb presentation skills with documented presentation experience to senior decision making and technical audiences.
• Experience operating within classified program environments.

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Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743

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 : $153,377 - $260,743