Engineer Senior - Spacecraft Optical Communications - $20K Sign On Bonus

Job Description
Minimum $20,000 Sign On Bonus being offered for external hires.
Join the Space Vehicle Systems Engineering Space Communications team at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS) - a group of motivated problem-solvers faced with the daily challenge of ensuring communications to and from space vehicles. We're excited about the 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 of BAE Systems SMS.
We're seeking an independent, action-oriented technical lead to support optical communications subsystem design, development, integration, and test throughout the lifecycle of space vehicle (SV) development for major programs. An optical communications subsystem may be an entire communications payload or a subassembly to carry tracking, telemetry, command, and instrument data between a space vehicle and relays or ground stations.
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:

• Develop optical communication architectures to satisfy space-to-ground and space-to-space optical communication (Lasercom) needs.
• Work with other system leads and subject matter experts to ensure appropriate system design, compatibility, integrated performance, and test methods.
• Establish strong vendor relationships for space qualified end-to-end optical communications (Lasercom) subsystems.
• Travel to vendor locations as needed - e.g. for program milestones or for oversight of critical test events.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships regarding optical comm capabilities
• Serve as program subsystem IPT Lead, ensuring that cost, schedule, and technical execution goals are being met.
• Communicate and collaborate with program and systems engineering leadership to accomplish mission objectives for telecommunications subsystems on space vehicles.
• Communicate and collaborate with Contracts, Supply Chain, and other internal teams. • Report cost, schedule, and technical status to internal and external customers.
• Define, quantify, manage, and report technical risks.
• Manage sub vendor performance to ensure the delivery of conforming hardware to be integrated as a communications subsystem.
• Understand, define, and manage subsystem requirements, vendor test methods and reporting, and document compliance/verification.
• Prepare and manage hardware definition and interfaces. A strong hardware background is required
• Extensive technical writing (Contractual elements, procedural definitions, specifications, interfaces, analysis support and description documents).
• Provide and/or review engineering analysis reports. Analysis capability to include link budget calculation and determination of critical parameters to meet requirements.
• Prepare and give presentations to peers, management and customers regarding plans; subsystem design, development, risks, and opportunities; and status against established performance metrics
• Support commissioning and mission operations as needed.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and the Strategic Business Units.
• 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 4 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 Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required.
• An understanding of all aspects of planning, scheduling, hardware specifications, and interface control.
• Experience with test design and uncertainty analysis - particularly statistical uncertainty propagation/stack up through multi-component systems.
• Experience with defining, developing and delivering space qualified hardware.
• Intellectual curiosity combined with a strong desire to learn.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in multidisciplinary teamwork environment with small team leadership responsibilities.

#LI-MA2
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Current Cl Polygraph is preferred.
• Experience with electronic and/or optical modems preferred.
• Experience with fiber optics and laser amplifiers preferred.
• Experience with networking interfaces and test methods/equipment preferred.
• Experience with alignment of free-space optical systems preferred.
• Experience in subcontract management preferred.
• Experience with both documents-based systems engineering and MBSE software preferred.
• Broad, cross-disciplinary knowledge preferred, to effectively communicate with experts in: mechanisms, structures, electronics, thermal, radiation, navigation, and software.
• Space hardware experience.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $97008 - $164914
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.