Principal Engineer - System Verification and Validation

Job Description
BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Verification and Validation (V&V) Systems Engineer to support our work as the prime contractor for a high-visibility U.S. Navy weapon system program. The ideal candidate thrives in a multidisciplinary engineering environment, communicates effectively, and collaborates proactively across organizational boundaries. We are looking for an engaging, team-oriented problem-solver who can operate with initiative and adapt quickly within a dynamic program landscape.
In this role, the Principal V&V Systems Engineer will work closely with multiple engineering teams supporting the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) office. Responsibilities span exercising engineering technical authority, leading engineering teams, and managing customer relationships. Responsibilities include:
Engineering Technical Authority

• Lead development of the program's Verification strategy and approach for a new weapon system, ensuring alignment with program objectives and established engineering practices.
• Drive and actively participate in Verification IPTs, Working Groups, and Communities of Practice to ensure technical rigor, consistency, and effective cross-team collaboration.
• Review, interpret, and refine system requirements to ensure clarity, completeness, and verifiability.
• Establish and maintain the Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix (RVTM) across the full system lifecycle.
• Oversee the execution of verification work products, ensuring thoroughness, traceability, and compliance with engineering and quality standards.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet all technical, performance, and quality requirements in accordance with systems engineering principles.
• Develop and present technical documentation, analyses, data packages, presentations, and white papers to chief engineers and senior customer stakeholders.

Leading Engineering Teams

• Build, lead, and manage a high-performing engineering team focused on delivering high-quality technical products and innovative solutions to complex mission and business challenges.
• Coordinate and guide team members in day-to-day verification activities to ensure clear task direction, technical rigor, and cohesive project execution.
• Mentor engineers, scientists, technologists, and analysts in systems engineering, verification, and test disciplines to promote technical rigor, professional growth, and consistency across programs.

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior U.S. Navy customers (SES, GS-15, GS-14), partnering closely to address complex technical challenges and develop system-level solutions.
• Support customer execution of the Systems Engineering Verification process, including preparation and participation in formal Systems Engineering Technical Reviews.
• Collaborate with customer leadership to translate high-level objectives into actionable plans, measurable deliverables, and aligned verification strategies.
• Serve as a primary technical interface, ensuring customer priorities, constraints, and expectations are fully understood and incorporated into engineering activities.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with at least 6 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with at least 4 years of experience; or a Doctorate in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with at least 2 years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams across the system development lifecycle.
• Experience delivering technical presentations and leading customer-facing discussions at senior levels.
• Proven success in partnering with customers to understand mission challenges, shape requirements, and implement complex solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse teams
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Up to 8 years of relevant work experience
• Experience within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) environment
• Experience with engineering tools and languages such as PTC Windchill, IBM DOORS, 2D/3D CAD, SysML, Cameo, and MATLAB Simulink
• INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) or Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification

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 Intelligence & Security
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.