Senior Performance Engineer

Job Description

Join our team and launch your career! BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems is seeking a talented and motivated Payload Systems Performance Analyst with expertise in payload performance characterization and imagery analysis to support the development, evaluation, and operational assessment of advanced remote sensing and electro-optical (EO) systems. This role focuses on analysis of payload performance across radiometric, spatial, and spectral domains, including the assessment of unresolved imagery products.

The ideal candidate combines systems engineering fundamentals with technical experience in imaging phenomenology, sensor characterization, and analytical modeling to evaluate payload performance across mission scenarios and environmental conditions.

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:

• Perform end-to-end payload performance analysis for a variety of electro-optical (EO) payloads including multispectral remote sensing systems in the visible and IR.
• Conduct radiometric, spatial, and spectral performance assessments, including radiometric calibration, SNR evaluation, MTF/PSF characterization, and spectral response analysis.
• Simulate and analyze unresolved and partially resolved imagery to derive system performance metrics, target characterization, and mission-relevant observables.
• Develop and execute modeling and simulation approaches for payload and sensor performance predictions and requirements verification.
• Support requirements development, performance budgeting, and verification/validation activities for payload systems.
• Evaluate sensor performance impacts due to atmosphere, illumination geometry, platform motion, and environmental conditions.
• Interface with systems engineering, algorithm development, calibration, image processing, and mission operations teams to support integrated payload solutions.
• Work alongside AI&T engineers to support the test configurations, verification approaches, and analysis and test plans necessary for payload verification.
• Work closely with hardware engineers to develop state-of-the-art system designs and analyze performance of hardware demonstrations.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to peers, management, and/or customers, as required.
• Support program gates such as the System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and payload 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 field is required plus 4 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of related 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 TS/SCI with Poly security clearance is required.
• Experience with Excel and MATLAB programming is required. Familiarity with other analytical tools, such as Python, C, C++, IDL, STK, DOORS.
• Experience in multiple lifecycle phases in RF, tactical, or electro-optical system programs from concept development and program kick- off through post-delivery support.
• Experience with analysis of payload systems, dissection of complex problems, and identification of key performance drivers.
• Solid analytic modeling capabilities.
• Demonstrated technical and interpersonal skills-ability to work with a dynamic team, predict and meet schedules, resolve disconnects.
• Effective communication skills are essential, including the ability to understand the team's needs, ask insightful questions, and provide clear communication of proposed solutions.

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Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• 4 years with EO payload and mission analysis experience for the intelligence community

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $97008 - $164914

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.