Integrated Survivability Solutions (ISS) Software Architect

Job Description
Join BAE Systems' Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) business area where we provide next-generation threat detection and countermeasure solutions to provide unparalleled electronic warfare capabilities to enhance mission survivability. Our team leverages industry leading EO/IR and RF technologies to advance multi-platform detection, tracking, and defeat of incoming threats to support aircraft, ground vehicle, and maritime survivability. We continue to build on more than 40 years of experience fielding EO/IR survivability solutions in complex rotary and fixed-wing aircraft and ground vehicle environments. Our team uses advanced machine learning-based algorithms to enable fast adaption for new and emerging threats for airborne, land, and maritime products.
Our engineers are the lifeblood of our company and we're more than 5,000 strong. We offer a flexible "9/80" schedule with every other Friday off. Additionally, with our robust offering of educational and career development opportunities, your chances to grow are limitless.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Software Architect to join our team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in defining and evolving the software architecture for our next-generation airborne platforms, with a focus on open architecture, high-performance computing, and integration with EO/IR and Laser systems. This role requires a strong understanding of software engineering principles, system design, and the ability to translate complex requirements into elegant and practical solutions. You will be a technical leader, mentoring other engineers and driving architectural consistency across multiple projects.
Job Responsibilities

• Architectural Leadership: Define and document the software architecture for new and existing ISS systems, ensuring alignment with overall system goals, security requirements, and industry best practices.
• Open Architecture Development: Champion the adoption of open architectures (e.g., FACE, MOSA, GRA) to promote interoperability, portability, and future-proofing of our systems.
• EO/IR Integration: Lead the integration of EO/IR capabilities into complex rotary and fixed-wing aircraft and ground vehicle environments including pointer/trackers, IR/UV Sensors, and lasers.
• Requirements Analysis: Collaborate with systems engineers and stakeholders to analyze system requirements and translate them into detailed architectural specifications.
• Design & Implementation Oversight: Provide technical guidance and oversight to software development teams during the design, implementation, and testing phases.
• Technology Evaluation: Research and evaluate emerging technologies and frameworks to identify opportunities for improving our software architecture and capabilities.
• Code Reviews & Mentorship: Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of quality and continuous learning.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including diagrams, interface specifications, and design rationale.
• Collaboration: Work closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 3 years in a software architecture role
• Solid understanding of software design patterns, architectural styles, and software engineering principles
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems development
• Experience with software configuration management tools (e.g., Git)
• Experience creating, reading, and maintaining system models using SysML to support Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities.
• Experience throughout the full life-cycle of software development
• Experience developing in Linux environments
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Previous experience in technical/project team leadership
• Must hold an active Secret Clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with Open Architecture Frameworks and high-performance computing (e.g., multi-core processors, GPUs, optimized libraries).
• Strong understanding of EO/IR concepts and technologies including Electro-Optical/Infrared Image processing, pointer/tracker systems, and detection algorithms.
• Experience with algorithm development and optimization in C++, CUDA, or Open CL
• Experience with communication protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP/IP, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429).
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743
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 Electronic 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.