Engineer Principal - Systems - Space Vehicle

Posted One Month Ago
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Boulder, CO, USA
Hybrid
118K-201K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Lead space vehicle and spacecraft systems engineering through development, testing, delivery, integration, and on-orbit operations. Support the chief engineer, manage technical baselines, lead design and readiness reviews, guide architecture and trade studies, resolve risks and anomalies, and oversee system documentation and interfaces. The role also includes customer and partner engagement, proposal support, technical presentations, and coaching systems engineers.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
Join the Space Vehicle Engineering team - a group of motivated problem solvers. We like to have fun and enjoy life - both at work, and in our free time. We're excited about the challenging projects we're involved in and have a commitment to the missions we enable. Offering growth opportunities at all levels of skill and experience, we're looking for leaders and innovators who can continue our reputation for creativity and technical excellence, while helping to define the future.
In this position, you will lead the Space Vehicle or Spacecraft Engineering team through development, test and delivery of highly capable space systems. You will support the Chief Engineer or Lead Systems Engineer ensuring the company delivers a system that meets our customers' technical performance specifications and their mission needs. It is preferred to have a Spacecraft Systems Engineer with a background in either systems engineering or any of the spacecraft subsystem areas (Thermal, ADCS, EPDS, CDH, Telecomm, FSW, Structures, Mechanisms, Simulators, Fault Management, Propulsion) to help maintain the BAE Spacecraft Product Line and support business development activities.
This is a challenging, fast-paced job which will be exciting and highly gratifying for the successful candidate.
Make a difference. Love what you do. Realize your full potential.
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:
  • As a Space Vehicle Engineer on a program, you are a technical representative to BAE SMS's program office, external customers, and partners which may include payload, launch and ground systems providers.
  • Interface with and support the program chief engineer.
  • Provide support to manage the space vehicle or Bus technical baseline.
  • Lead preparation and execution of major design and readiness reviews.
  • Provide leadership to the system engineer staff generating engineering documents including specifications, interface control documents, and test plans.
  • Work in a dynamic environment with multiple working groups, interfaces, and all spacecraft subsystems. Responsible for providing direction and prioritization to the space vehicle team.
  • Lead and guide mission and space vehicle level trade studies and analysis - balancing technical performance, cost, and risk.
  • Technical authority for risk assessment and anomaly resolution during both I&T and on-orbit operations.
  • Oversee and Guide the Architecture and Design team in:
    • Developing and utilizing technical trades studies to define the system architecture.
    • Utilizing Model Based Systems Engineering tools and processes to develop and document the system architecture, interfaces, and CONOPS.
    • Trading technical performance options and impacts.
    • Defining System CONOPS.
  • Participate in writing proposals and creating and delivering presentations.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Develop and coach systems engineers on the space vehicle team.
  • 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.

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.

  • 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.
  • Proven success as a technical team lead with experience in all phases of execution of a space hardware program.
  • Exceptional communication skills, presentation skills, proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to effectively lead group discussions, ability to set priorities and delegate as required to meet all objectives.
#LI-MA2
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
  • Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) - CAM experience.
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering expertise is highly desirable.
  • Possession of a current TS/SCI clearance or able to retain one once hired.
  • Technical Vision: Provides strategic technical direction and drives innovation.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Fosters open communication, transparency, and teamwork.
  • Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates complex technical and programmatic risks.
  • Talent Development: Prioritizes team growth, well-being, and performance.

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related technical field
  • Six or more years of related experience, with higher degrees potentially substituting for experience
  • Successful experience as a technical team lead across all phases of a space hardware program
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead discussions, set priorities, and delegate
  • Working knowledge of Earned Value Management and CAM experience
  • Expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering
  • Current TS/SCI clearance or ability to retain one after hiring

What the Team is Saying

BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
  • Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
  • Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.

BAE Systems, Inc. Insights

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The Company
HQ: Falls Church, VA
40,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1999

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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About our 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.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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HQBAE Systems, Inc. headquarters
Annapolis Junction, MD
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Austin, TX
Boulder, CO
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Space & Mission Systems headquarters
Burlington, MA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dallas, TX
Endicott, NY
Fort Wayne, IN
Greenlawn, NY
Huntsville, AL
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Los Angeles, CA
Maple Grove, MN
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San Diego, CA
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