BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems is looking for an Engineer Senior Principal II - Space Vehicle Simulators - Program Technical Leader. You will serve as the technical lead engineer for deliverable spacecraft simulator products, driving architecture, design, development, integration, and technical execution of high-fidelity Space Vehicle Digital Simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop systems. You will partner with a Project Engineer who manages cost and schedule while you focus on technical direction, engineering execution, and mission success for a complex program.
What You'll Do
- Serve as the technical lead and primary engineering authority for spacecraft simulators across the full program lifecycle.
- Define and communicate simulator system architecture, ensuring cohesive integration of software, hardware, and spacecraft subsystem models, and mission payloads.
- Lead real-time simulation development, model-based design, and HIL integration activities.
- Chair technical reviews and internal design discussions.
- Mentor and guide small teams of systems and software engineers.
- Facilitate cross-program technical exchange to facilitate lessons learned and optimal execution.
- Design, develop, and implement real-time simulations of spacecraft and space vehicle subsystems.
- Perform full software lifecycle activities: requirements, architecture, design, coding, integration, test, and documentation.
- Develop and validate requirements, verification plans, and sell-off artifacts for internal and customer deliverables.
- Identify technical risks early and drive mitigation strategies to ensure simulator performance, fidelity, and reliability.
- Integrate flight-like hardware, avionics interfaces, and embedded systems into simulation environments.
- Act as the primary technical interface to spacecraft programs, subsystem leads, and customer engineering teams.
- Present simulator design and technical status at PDR, CDR, technical interchange meetings, and customer reviews.
- Support program-facing activities by providing technical inputs to the Project Engineer for CAM/EVMS, proposals, and contract changes.
- Understand customer needs and proactively shape simulator capabilities to support mission success.
- Drive adoption of modern DevSecOps, containerization, and secure software development practices.
- Contribute to department-wide risk, opportunity, and technology development initiatives.
- Support proposal development and technical planning for new missions and 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.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
What We're Looking For
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field.
- 10 or more years of related experience.
- A current, active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph.
- Ability to obtain additional access as needed.
- Hands-on experience developing real-time simulations, model-based designs, and HIL systems.
- Proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, including auto-code generation (Embedded Coder, Simulink Coder, MATLAB Coder).
- Software engineering background with C/C++ and experience in Python, Ruby, Rust or similar languages.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (Linux, VxWorks) and embedded systems.
- Knowledge of spacecraft or space hardware systems, including avionics interfaces and subsystem modeling.
- Experience integrating complex systems across space and ground segments.
- Experience developing and deploying OCI-compliant containers.
- Proficiency with Podman and Kubernetes for container orchestration.
- Hands-on experience with GitLab DevSecOps pipelines.
- Familiarity with secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices for high-security environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams and mentor junior engineers.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to customers, subsystem leads, and internal leadership.
- Proven ability to drive technical decisions and maintain engineering rigor under schedule and mission pressures.
Technical Stack
- Matlab/Simulink
- C/C++
- Python, Ruby, Rust
- Linux, VxWorks
- Podman, Kubernetes
- GitLab DevSecOps
Team & Environment
You will work within small engineering teams and report to the Manager of Space Vehicle Simulators. You will partner with a dedicated Project Engineer who manages cost and schedule, allowing you to focus on technical leadership and execution.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $149,603 - $254,317
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Health savings accounts
- 401(k) savings plan
- Disability coverage
- Life and accident insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Legal plan
- Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave
- Company recognition program
- Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in Boulder, Colorado.
BAE Systems is committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution. We operate in collaborative, cross-functional teams.
