Engineer Senior Principal - Systems Test, Space Vehicle Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (AI&T / ATLO)

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Boulder, CO, USA
Hybrid
133K-226K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Lead and execute assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) campaigns for spacecraft hardware. Define AI&T flows, test strategies, plans, and procedures; verify hardware in cleanrooms and labs; perform RF and end-to-end system validation; identify GSE, facilities and equipment; produce cost/schedule estimates; support proposals; lead and mentor engineering and technician teams; drive test execution, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
We're seeking an action-oriented engineer with intellectual curiosity who is excited to put their potential to use testing space flight hardware. The position will be as part of a spacecraft / space vehicle test team as a test lead, with a focus on testing execution of flight hardware.
As a Senior Principal Engineer at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS) you will lead and mentor team members within the field. You will have the opportunity to:
• Lead or support significant test campaigns on a large bus and space vehicle program.• Develop and support new business pursuits.• Take responsibility as a lead for strengthening and supporting the company's strategic goal.
This is a challenging, fast-paced job which will be exciting and highly gratifying for the successful candidate.
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:
  • Work in fast-paced team environments assisting in the integration and testing of spacecraft hardware.
  • Work in cleanroom and lab environments to verify hardware meets requirements and characterize/calibrate its performance.
  • Leverage and grow a detailed understanding of spacecraft systems, subsystems, space vehicles, and launch operations.
  • Write, review, and update proposal responses and study reports with a focus on AI&T for spacecraft buses and integrated space vehicles.
  • Define program integration and test approach and generate AI&T flows.
  • Identify GSE, facilities, and equipment required for AI&T and launch operations.
  • Provide cost and schedule estimates for spacecraft assembly, integration, test, and launch operations.
  • Evaluate contractual documents and requirements for AI&T impact.
  • Identify creative solutions to reduce cost, schedule, and risk for AI&T.
  • Make defendable decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Leadership Responsibilities:
    • Provide strategic direction and oversight for AI&T operations.
    • Lead a high-performing team of engineers and technicians.
    • Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive technical vision for AI&T.
    • Establish and track key performance metrics.
  • Additional Responsibilities:
    • Mentor and develop team members.
  • 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 8 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.
  • Experience in the testing of spacecraft, space vehicles, and their related components and systems.
  • Experience in spacecraft RF testing, performing end-to-end validation of the RF system.
  • Experience with spacecraft command and control systems, simulators, software test benches and other electrical ground support equipment.
  • Experience with software in support of testing.
  • Experience and interest in cost and schedule estimation activities and proposal efforts and / or IRAD activities.
  • Presentation and communication skills.
  • Understand test processes including defining test strategies, test plans, and test procedures.
  • Attention to detail while appreciating the bigger picture of the complex and ambitious projects that we take on at BAE Systems SMS.
  • Proficient in MS Office tools and have computer skills.
#LI-AP1
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
  • Knowledge and test experience using test automation applications and tools.
  • Demonstrated, mentoring, leadership and team building skills.
  • Familiarity with software testing at various levels, unit, integration, end-to-end.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or Go.
  • Experience with COSMOS Command and Control Software.
  • Experience with GitLab.
  • Familiarity with software unit testing.
  • Direct experience with setting up and configuring RF GSE, including familiarity with testing measurement tools (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters).
  • Understanding of telecommunication protocol practices, including familiarity with industry standards and best practices.
  • Experience working with common frequency bands, examples: KA, X, S bands.
  • Identify and mitigate technical and schedule risks, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services.
  • Drive business growth through innovative solutions, process improvements, and strategic partnerships.
  • Develop and manage budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery of AI&T services.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and customer requirements.
  • Lead change management initiatives, ensuring seamless transition to new processes, technologies, or organizational structures.
  • Space or military experience.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
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 (accredited) or equivalent experience
  • Eight or more years of related experience (Master's/PhD may substitute for two years each)
  • Experience in testing spacecraft, space vehicles, and related components and systems
  • Experience in spacecraft RF testing, performing end-to-end validation of RF systems
  • Experience with spacecraft command and control systems, simulators, software test benches, and other electrical ground support equipment
  • Experience with software in support of testing
  • Experience or interest in cost and schedule estimation, proposal efforts, and/or IRAD activities
  • Presentation and communication skills
  • Understanding of test processes including defining test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
  • Attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects
  • Proficient in MS Office tools and general computer skills
  • Willingness and eligibility to be submitted for security clearance/access after offer and to maintain applicable clearance/access
  • Knowledge and test experience using test automation applications and tools
  • Demonstrated mentoring, leadership, and team building skills
  • Familiarity with software testing (unit, integration, end-to-end) and software unit testing practices
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages: JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or Go
  • Experience with COSMOS Command and Control Software
  • Experience with GitLab
  • Direct experience setting up and configuring RF GSE and familiarity with test measurement tools (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters)
  • Understanding of telecommunication protocol practices and industry standards
  • Experience working with common frequency bands (KA, X, S)
  • Experience identifying and mitigating technical and schedule risks
  • Experience driving business growth, budgeting, contracting, and change management initiatives
  • Space or military experience

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BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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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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BAE Systems, Inc. Teams

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What It’s Like Working on BAE Systems’ AI-Powered Military Tech
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
Jacksonville, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Maple Grove, MN
Intelligence & Security headquarters
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Electronic Systems headquarters
Redmond, WA
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
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Sterling Heights, MI
Washington, DC
Wayne, NJ
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