Principal Engineer – Image and Signal Processing

Job Description

BAE Systems Inc, Space & Mission Systems (SMS) is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in Image and Signal Processing to solve complex intelligence and defense-related problems. This role focuses on the development and integration of advanced scientific algorithms to process, exploit, and disseminate data from EO/IR, multi-spectral, and radar sensors. You will be responsible for creating high-impact applications for target detection and geolocation, modeling system performance, and developing analytic tools for collection planning. Your expertise will ensure that remote sensing capabilities are optimized to detect, track, and characterize critical objects.

This role is pivotal to the advancement of geospatial intelligence and signal processing capabilities across the organization. By applying rigorous statistical methods and advanced mathematical frameworks, you enable the achievement of higher accuracy in target geolocation and detection. Your ability to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and deployable software ensures that mission-critical sensing systems are validated, accurate, and scalable in contested environments.

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:

• Algorithm Development: Develop, optimize, test, and integrate scientific algorithms using high-level computing languages, typically Python and MATLAB.
• Image Processing & Exploitation: Create advanced applications for deriving information from EO/IR, multi-spectral, and radar sensor data with a focus on target detection, characterization, and geolocation.
• Signal Processing: Develop spatial and temporal signal processing algorithms for Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED).
• System Performance Modeling: Model system performance and characterize remote sensing sensors, systems, and missions to determine capabilities for mission objectives including target detection, geolocation, and classification.
• Analytic Tool Creation: Design and implement collection planning and analytic tools to support intelligence operations.
• Signal Enhancement: Enhance, test, and evaluate algorithms designed to detect, track, characterize, and exploit weak signals in the presence interference.
• Statistical Analysis: Apply rigorous statistical methods and analysis to ensure all findings and algorithm outputs are complete and accurate.
• Technical Leadership: Solve complex military and tactical problems, providing high-level technical guidance to ensure the delivery of robust geospatial intelligence solutions.
• 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 6 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.
• A current, active Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required.
• Image Processing: Mastery of image processing techniques and target detection in imagery.
• Geolocation: Expertise in target geolocation from imagery.
• Geospatial Intelligence: Deep understanding of GEOINT principles.
• Coordinate Systems: Proficiency in using ECEF (Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed) and ECI (Earth-Centered Inertial) coordinate systems.
• Computing: Proficiency in high-level computing languages, specifically Python or MATLAB.

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Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Education & Experience: Preference for candidates exceeding the required years of experience for their respective degree level.
• Tracking & Track Fusion: Experience with target tracking and track correlation.
• AI/ML: Proficiency in applying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to signal or image processing.
• Applied Sciences: Strong foundation in Applied Mathematics and Physics.
• Collaborative Mindset: A commitment to innovation and the ability to establish effective working relationships across Strategic Business Units and Strategic Capabilities Units.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $107359 - $182510

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.