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 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.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
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.