Principal Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), systems architecture, and digital engineering across programs and enterprise engineering initiatives.

This individual will apply deep systems thinking to complex technical and organizational problems, helping programs establish effective architectures, engineering methods, and model-based approaches. The Principal Systems Engineer will serve as both a hands-on technical contributor and a trusted advisor to engineering teams, helping connect program execution needs with the broader capabilities of the organization's Digital Ecosystem.

The successful candidate will understand that MBSE is not simply a modeling activity or tool implementation. It is a systems engineering approach for improving technical understanding, integration, traceability, analysis, and decision-making throughout the lifecycle.

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:

• Lead MBSE and systems architecture activities for complex programs and engineering initiatives.
• Develop and guide system architectures, requirements structures, functional decompositions, behaviors, interfaces, verification relationships, and other system representations.
• Establish modeling approaches and strategies appropriate to program objectives, lifecycle needs, and technical complexity.
• Facilitate complex systems engineering and architecture discussions across disciplines, programs, and organizations.
• Evaluate program execution challenges using systems thinking and identify appropriate engineering, process, data, or digital solutions.
• Guide integration of system models with requirements, analysis, software, hardware design, verification, and other engineering information.
• Develop reusable MBSE patterns, reference architectures, methods, standards, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to systems engineers and MBSE practitioners.
• Support programs in establishing or improving MBSE and digital engineering capabilities.
• Identify systemic gaps and opportunities across engineering processes and help develop scalable enterprise solutions.
• Partner with engineering disciplines, program leadership, IT, and other enabling organizations to align technical solutions with program needs.
• Evaluate and guide responsible application of AI, automation, and emerging technologies within systems engineering workflows.
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to engineering teams and leadership.
• Influence technical direction without requiring direct organizational authority.
• 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 three or more 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 6 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.
• Significant professional experience in systems engineering appropriate for a Principal Engineer position.
• Demonstrated expertise applying MBSE to complex engineering programs or initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of SysML and system modeling methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience developing and evaluating system architectures.
• Deep understanding of systems engineering principles including requirements, functional analysis, interfaces, architecture, integration, verification, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to think across system, organizational, and lifecycle boundaries.
• Experience leading complex technical efforts involving multiple engineering disciplines.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and technical presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and influence technical teams.

#LI-KV1
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

• BS degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related Engineering discipline.
• Advanced experience with Cameo Systems Modeler/MagicDraw or comparable MBSE platforms.
• Experience developing modeling methodologies, reference architectures, metamodels, profiles, or reusable modeling patterns.
• Experience with aerospace or defense system development across multiple lifecycle phases.
• Experience connecting MBSE with requirements management, PLM, CAD, software development, modeling and simulation, test, or programmatic information.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture, digital thread, digital engineering, data architecture, and interoperability concepts.
• Experience leading MBSE deployment or adoption within a program or organization.
• Experience applying AI, automation, APIs, or advanced analytics to engineering workflows.
• Advanced degree in Systems Engineering or related technical discipline.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

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.