CEMA - Principal Software Engineer

Job Description
Empower national defense. Advance your career. Make a difference.
Join BAE Systems' Compass Call program, a cornerstone of our Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) business area, as we expand our capabilities to support growing global demand for advanced electronic warfare systems. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll bring senior-level technical expertise to the development of mission software that disrupts adversary radar and communication networks - supporting both domestic and international applications, including foreign military sales to Italy and future foreign sales.
Your contributions will directly strengthen national defense and give our warfighters, as well as our international partners, the edge in contested environments. You'll work with modern C++ and C# in secure Linux environments, developing real-time mission software and advanced processing frameworks. This role will give you the opportunity to own complex technical challenges while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of mission-critical software using modern C++ and C# in secure Linux environments.
• Contribute across the full software lifecycle-from requirements definition through system integration and verification.
• Develop and optimize real-time mission software and advanced processing frameworks.
• Apply Agile and DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and code reviews.
• Collaborate with Systems, Hardware, and Test engineers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful system performance.
• Adapt software solutions to support foreign military sales customers (e.g., Italy).

Why Join Us
At BAE Systems, you'll join a team built on collaboration, innovation, and mission focus. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Take on high impact technical challenges that shape the future of electronic warfare.
• Work alongside highly skilled engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Expand your expertise in real-time, mission-critical software systems.
• Grow your career through exposure to advanced technologies, training opportunities, and global defense programs.
• Enjoy balance and flexibility with a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off) and a supportive work environment.

This is a full-time, onsite role at our Hudson, NH facility, offering the chance to make a lasting impact on one of BAE Systems' most strategic defense programs, with opportunities to shape the future of electronic warfare capabilities for the US and its allies.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Active Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in object-oriented design and development using C++, C#, or Java in Linux environments.
• Hands-on experience with version control and collaboration tools (Git, Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Active Top Secret Clearance.
• CompTIA Security+ Certification.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems, signal processing, SDRs, or RF communications.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins).
• Experience with software verification and validation.
• Prior exposure to international defense programs or foreign military sales.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $115779 - $196825
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 Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
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.