We are seeking a Focal Plane Electronics System Engineer to design, characterize, and optimize cutting-edge electro-optical (EO) focal plane subsystems. This position is a dynamic, hands-on role working across a broad range of detector technologies, including ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared architectures. Your efforts will directly enable mission-critical capabilities for Civil, Defense, and Tactical customers.
This position serves as a Focal Plane Detector Test Engineer within the Detector Technology Center of the Payload Engineering department, part of the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS).
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:
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team (electrical, software, systems, optical, mechanical, structural, thermal) to develop high performance electronics solutions for low noise focal planes used in scientific and high speed space based imaging.
- Provide subject matter expertise in focal plane interface electronics systems and components.
- Contribute to focal plane subsystem design, development, production, and test, with emphasis on functional definitions, electrical interfaces, operational concepts, and grounding strategies.
- Develop design of experiments approaches, test plans, and test procedures to validate performance, characterize devices, and resolve operational issues.
- Troubleshoot focal plane electrical hardware anomalies, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for both engineering development and flight hardware.
- Support system level modeling, simulation, analysis, trades, risk assessments, and requirements development using DOORS, MBSE methodologies, and other systems engineering tools.
- 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., Master's 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.
- Technical experience with electrically interfacing to focal plane involving complex read-out integrated circuits (ROIC) with photodetector arrays
- Technical experience with harnessing and rigid flex cables along with grounding knowledge and EMI background
- Testing focal planes requires a blend of physics, electronics, optics, systems engineering, and hands-on lab skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (such as Project, Excel, Outlook, and Word)
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in and contribute to a dynamic cross-functional team environment.
- Willingness to take initiative, be able to complete tasks in a timely manner, and have good time management and organizational skills.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Knowledge of solid-state semiconductor detectors, including device physics, charge transport mechanisms, and performance-limiting noise sources.
- Proficiency in computer program languages such as C, MatLab, Ruby, Python
- Proficiency in FPGA programing and operations.
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 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.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
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.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
Skills Required
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or related technical field plus 6 or more years related experience (Master's/PhD may substitute for experience).
- Technical experience electrically interfacing to focal planes involving complex read-out integrated circuits (ROIC) with photodetector arrays.
- Technical experience with harnessing and rigid-flex cables, grounding strategies, and EMI background.
- Hands-on lab skills combining physics, electronics, optics, systems engineering for testing focal planes.
- Ability to develop design of experiments, test plans, procedures, and perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Experience supporting system-level modeling, simulation, trades, risk assessments, and requirements development using DOORS and MBSE methodologies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Project, Excel, Outlook, Word).
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in and contribute to a cross-functional team; initiative, time management, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of solid-state semiconductor detectors, device physics, charge transport, and noise sources.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C, MATLAB, Ruby, Python.
- Proficiency in FPGA programming and operations.
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is presented as comprehensive, combining medical, dental, vision, HSAs/FSAs, and mental‑health resources with a no‑cost EAP. Wellness programs and protections like life, AD&D, disability, and travel assistance broaden the offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement is supported through a 401(k) with automatic enrollment and annual escalation, with employer matching available in certain business units. Financial‑wellness tools and access to advisors further support long‑term planning.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time away options include paid parental leave (commonly 160 hours for full‑time), holidays, PTO, bereavement, military leave, and other leave programs. Many groups also use a 9/80 schedule that provides every other Friday off where available.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.
Why Work With Us
We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.
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BAE Systems, Inc. Teams
BAE Systems, Inc. Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.

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