We are looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to join BAE Systems' Optics department. You will be a key contributor to our optical manufacturing capabilities. You will be a key contributor to EO payloads, the Optical Engineering department, and the Engineering, Science, and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit.
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, implement, and sustain BAE Systems' internal existing coating capabilities.
- Develop, implement, and sustain BAE Systems' future coating capabilities.
- Work with optical architects on next generation payload design and requirements.
- Work with our supply chain and optical procurements to support payload execution.
- Produce data packages and reports using Microsoft Office tools.
- Work in an independent manner with minimal direction and supervision.
- Ability to supervise and instruct technicians or junior engineers.
- 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 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.
- Experience with optical coating.
- Experience with thin film design.
- Solid interpersonal skills demonstrated through excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level 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
- Degree(s) in Optical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or Physics.
- Experience operating coating chambers.
- Experience in designing optical coatings qualified for space flight.
- Experience working from concept through delivery of spaceflight rated hardware including data analysis and report generation is preferred.
- Self-directed worker.
- Experience working on a project and/or program with numerous engineering disciplines.
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 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 plus 6+ years related experience
- Experience with optical coating
- Experience with thin film design
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
- Solid interpersonal and excellent communication skills
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance; DoW Interim Secret required to start
- Ability to supervise and instruct technicians or junior engineers
- Work on-site five days each normally scheduled week
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule
- Work in office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom environments
- May require use of protective equipment in production work centers
- Self-directed work style (stated as preferred but also implied as required in role)
- Experience operating coating chambers
- Experience designing optical coatings qualified for space flight
- Experience delivering spaceflight-rated hardware from concept through delivery including data analysis and report generation
- Degree(s) in Optical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or Physics
- Experience working on multi-discipline engineering projects/programs
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits materials outline comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside an EAP, fertility and transgender care, and HSA-compatible plans with employer HSA contributions noted for 2025.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with employer matching (varying by business unit) and added financial protections like life and accident insurance are consistently part of the package.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave from date of hire, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, backup care, and caregiving resources signal robust support for families.
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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BAE Systems, Inc. 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.

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