BAE Systems Intelligence & Security is hiring a Senior Principal Engineer to serve as the technical lead for deliverable spacecraft simulator products. You will drive the architecture, design, development, and integration of high-fidelity Space Vehicle Digital Simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop systems, focusing on technical execution and mission success for complex programs.
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 plus 10 or more years of related experience.
- A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required 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.
Nice to Have
- 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.
Technical Stack
- Matlab/Simulink, Embedded Coder, Simulink Coder, MATLAB Coder
- C/C++, Python, Ruby, Rust
- Linux, VxWorks
- OCI-compliant containers, Podman, Kubernetes
- GitLab DevSecOps pipelines
Team & Environment
You will lead small engineering teams and report to the Manager of Space Vehicle Simulators. You will partner closely with a dedicated Project Engineer who manages cost and schedule.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary Range: $149,603 - $254,317
- Short Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
Work Mode
This role is onsite in Boulder, Colorado.
BAE Systems is an equal opportunity employer.
