Engineer Senior Principal - Mission Software Architect

Job Description

BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS). is seeking a talented and experienced Mission Software Architect to provide technical leadership in the development of advanced mission software and simulation capabilities. As a key member of our team, you will work at the intersection of mission systems engineering, payload engineering, modeling and simulation, and software development to translate complex mission needs into cohesive, implementable software architectures. You will have the opportunity to shape end-to-end mission data solutions, lead critical architectural trades, and guide multidisciplinary teams in solving challenging problems central to our customers missions.

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 Youll Do:

• Provide mission software architecture leadership across systems engineering, payload, modeling and simulation, software development, integration, and test teams.
• Define and own end-to-end architectures for mission data simulation capabilities including source-data generation, signal propagation, on-board processing, telemetry and commanding, data formatting, and downstream mission products.
• Translate mission concepts, operational use cases, system requirements, and payload behaviors into software functions, interfaces, data flows, and implementable architectures.
• Evaluate existing mission analysis tools, software components, simulation capabilities, and data sources for reuse and identify required modifications, extensions, or new development.
• Define and mature performance-based models of mission and on-board processing functions, including the appropriate level of simulation fidelity required to meet program objectives.
• Define approaches for maintaining consistency and synchronization between simulated mission data, telemetry, tasking, commanding, timing, and mission-state information.
• Define software interfaces and data products, including Interface Control Document-compliant formats and integrated playback data sets used for system integration and downstream processing and test.
• Lead architectural trades balancing mission realism, performance, complexity, extensibility, technical risk, and program needs.
• Develop and maintain software architecture and design documentation that clearly communicates system structure, interfaces, behaviors, assumptions, and architectural decisions.
• Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to software teams responsible for implementation, and resolve architectural issues that emerge during development and integration.
• Collaborate closely with mission systems, payload, ground systems, software, modeling and simulation, and integration and test subject matter experts to ensure the architecture accurately represents mission behavior and supports program verification needs.
• Support software integration, verification, validation, and test planning throughout the program lifecycle.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and support program gates including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR, Test Readiness Review (TRR), and system verification and sell-off.
• 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 8 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Masters 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.
• Experience architecting complex software-intensive systems, mission systems, simulation environments, or integrated analysis capabilities.
• Experience translating system-level mission needs, operational concepts, and requirements into software functions, interfaces, data flows, and architectures.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of complex systems and integration of multiple models, data sources, and software components into an end-to-end capability.
• Experience developing software architecture, interface definitions, or detailed design documentation used to guide implementation teams.
• Experience with software development or technical leadership using languages or analytical tools such as Python, C++, C, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Experience across multiple phases of the engineering lifecycle from concept development and requirements definition through design, implementation, integration, verification, and operational support.
• Demonstrated ability to dissect complex technical problems, identify key architectural drivers, perform technical trades, and develop practical solutions.
• Demonstrated technical and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead across multidisciplinary teams and provide technical direction without direct organizational authority.
• Effective communication skills are essential, including the ability to understand stakeholder needs, ask insightful technical questions, document architectural decisions, and clearly communicate proposed solutions.

#LI-GJ1

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

• 8+ years of experience with mission software architecture, modeling and simulation, or software-intensive mission systems supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs.
• Experience architecting end-to-end mission data flows, software interfaces, simulation environments, and integrated mission processing capabilities.
• Current, active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) or Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance is preferred.
• Bachelors degree or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics is preferred.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

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 a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

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.