Engineer Senior Principal II - Mission Modeling and Simulation Software Architect - $30K Sign-On Bonus
Minimum $30,000 Sign- On Bonus being offered for external hires.
Join Our Team and Launch Your Career!
BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems is seeking an experienced Mission Modeling and Simulation Software Architect to lead the architecture of an advanced, end-to-end mission data simulation capability. This unique role integrates physics-based modeling and simulation, mission engineering, and software architecture to generate realistic, simulated mission data representing physical signal phenomenology, propagation through a sensor signal chain, on-board processing, spacecraft interactions, and downstream mission products.
The successful candidate will bring a solid foundation in physics or engineering, combined with hands-on modeling and simulation experience and the software architecture expertise necessary to translate complex physical and mission behaviors into a large, integrated simulation capability. You will collaborate closely with mission systems, payload, modeling and simulation, and software teams to define the complete simulation architecture and guide its implementation.
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 superior execution.
What You'll Do:
- Provide technical leadership for the architecture and development of complex mission modeling and simulation software.
- Define the end-to-end architecture for realistic mission data generation, spanning physical source phenomenology, signal propagation, sensor and front-end response, on-board processing, telemetry and commanding, and downstream data products.
- Translate physical phenomenology, mission concepts, system behaviors, and operational use cases into implementable simulation models, software components, interfaces, and data flows.
- Evaluate and integrate existing physics-based models, mission analysis tools, data sources, and simulation capabilities, identifying where new models or software development are required.
- Define and mature parameterized and performance-based models representing physical systems, sensor behavior, and mission processing at the appropriate level of fidelity.
- Lead architectural trades involving model fidelity, physical realism, computational performance, complexity, extensibility, and program objectives.
- Define approaches for synchronizing simulated mission data with representative telemetry, tasking, commanding, timing, and mission-state information.
- Define software interfaces and representative mission data products, including formats compliant with interface control documents and integrated playback data sets for system integration and downstream processor testing.
- Develop and maintain architecture and design documentation describing simulation models, software structure, interfaces, data flows, assumptions, and key technical decisions.
- Provide technical direction to software developers implementing the simulation, and work closely with physics, payload, mission systems, and modeling and simulation subject matter experts throughout development.
- Support software integration, verification, validation, and test planning, and resolve technical issues as the simulation architecture is implemented.
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations and support program gates including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR, Test Readiness Review (TRR), and system verification and sell-off.
- 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.
Short-Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 10 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.
- A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph.
- Experience developing or architecting modeling and simulation software representing physical systems, signals, sensors, or other physical phenomenology is required.
- Experience modeling signal phenomenology associated with the electromagnetic spectrum is highly desired, such as radio frequency, electro-optical, infrared, radar, communications, or related sensing applications.
- Solid foundation in physics, engineering, or applied mathematics, with the ability to understand physical system behavior and translate that behavior into computational models and software.
- Experience architecting substantial modeling and simulation frameworks for integrated simulation environments involving multiple models, data sources, and software components.
- Experience with scientific or engineering software development using languages and tools such as Python, C++, C, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Experience translating mission and system requirements into model behaviors, software functions, interfaces, data flows, and software architectures.
- Demonstrated ability to determine appropriate modeling fidelity, identify key physical and architectural drivers, perform technical trades, and solve complex multidisciplinary problems.
- Demonstrated technical leadership and the ability to work effectively across physics, engineering, systems, modeling and simulation, and software development teams.
- Effective communication skills, including the ability to document architectural decisions and clearly communicate complex physical and software concepts.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- 10-15 years of experience with RF sensing and mission architecture for the intelligence community.
- Solid foundation in physics and engineering, combined with hands-on modeling, simulation, and software architecture experience.
- Current, active TS/SCI Polygraph security clearance is preferred.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
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, Inc.
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 a related technical field
- 10 or more years of related experience; higher-level degrees may substitute for experience
- Current, active TS/SCI security clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph
- Experience developing or architecting modeling and simulation software representing physical systems, signals, sensors, or physical phenomenology
- Foundation in physics, engineering, or applied mathematics, with ability to translate physical system behavior into computational models and software
- Experience architecting substantial modeling and simulation frameworks involving multiple models, data sources, and software components
- Experience with scientific or engineering software development using Python, C++, C, MATLAB, or equivalent
- Experience translating mission and system requirements into model behaviors, software functions, interfaces, data flows, and software architectures
- Ability to determine appropriate modeling fidelity, identify physical and architectural drivers, perform technical trades, and solve multidisciplinary problems
- Technical leadership experience across physics, engineering, systems, modeling and simulation, and software development teams
- Effective communication skills, including architectural documentation and communication of complex physical and software concepts
- Experience modeling electromagnetic-spectrum signal phenomenology, such as RF, electro-optical, infrared, radar, or communications sensing
- 10–15 years of experience with RF sensing and mission architecture for the intelligence community
- Current, active TS/SCI Polygraph security clearance
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits stand out with a 401(k) savings plan and company matching, emphasizing long-term financial security. This area is consistently positioned as one of the stronger components of the package.
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Parental & Family Support — Family programs are notably broad, including paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, dependent‑care accounts, and child‑ and elder‑care resources. In the U.S., up to 10 subsidized days of backup care per year further support caregivers.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage spans medical, dental, and vision options alongside HSAs/FSAs, mental‑health support, and an Employee Assistance Program. The breadth of offerings provides solid baseline protection across common healthcare needs.
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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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.








