Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Digital Ecosystem & Systems Engineering

Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to provide senior technical leadership for systems engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and Digital Ecosystem initiatives spanning complex programs and the broader engineering enterprise.
This role is intended for an accomplished systems engineer who can operate effectively at both the program and enterprise level-connecting business and program execution needs to systems architectures, engineering methods, digital capabilities, and organizational change.
The successful candidate will bring deep systems engineering expertise, strong MBSE competency, and the ability to recognize patterns across programs and disciplines. This individual will help define not only how individual systems are engineered, but how the broader engineering ecosystem must evolve to enable programs to execute more effectively.
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:

• Provide senior technical leadership for complex systems engineering, MBSE, architecture, and digital engineering initiatives.
• Lead systems-level analysis of complex program and enterprise challenges involving multiple disciplines, lifecycle phases, organizations, and technologies.
• Define and guide MBSE strategies, architectures, methodologies, and implementation approaches for major programs and enterprise initiatives.
• Advise program and engineering leadership on systems engineering strategy, architecture, integration, and digital engineering implementation.
• Identify common program needs and translate them into scalable enterprise capabilities, standards, reference architectures, and reusable approaches.
• Establish technical direction for integration of authoritative engineering information across requirements, system models, hardware, software, analysis, verification, manufacturing, and program execution.
• Guide development of Digital Ecosystem architectures that connect engineering processes, data, models, tools, infrastructure, and people around program execution needs.
• Ensure digital solutions are driven by engineering and business outcomes rather than individual technologies or tools.
• Serve as a senior technical mentor and advisor to systems engineers, MBSE practitioners, architects, and technical leaders.
• Facilitate resolution of complex cross-functional and cross-organizational technical challenges.
• Build alignment among engineering, programs, IT, business functions, and other enterprise stakeholders.
• Influence enterprise standards, governance, investment priorities, and technical roadmaps.
• Assess emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and determine where they can meaningfully improve systems engineering and program execution.
• Represent systems engineering and digital engineering strategy in discussions with senior technical and business leadership.
• 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 three or more 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 8 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of related 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.
• Extensive professional systems engineering experience appropriate for a Senior Principal Engineer position.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of complex systems engineering efforts.
• Deep expertise in MBSE, systems architecture, and model-based engineering methods.
• Demonstrated experience applying SysML and system modeling to complex system development.
• Extensive understanding of requirements engineering, functional analysis, interfaces, architecture, integration, verification, validation, and lifecycle engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking beyond an individual product or discipline to complex program and enterprise problems.
• Experience leading technical efforts across multiple disciplines and organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to establish technical direction and influence organizations without relying on positional authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and executive communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop other technical leaders.

#LI-KV1
A security 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

• Advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or related technical discipline.
• Significant experience with Cameo Systems Modeler/MagicDraw or comparable MBSE platforms.
• Experience developing enterprise MBSE strategies, modeling methodologies, reference architectures, or governance frameworks.
• Experience across multiple aerospace or defense programs and lifecycle phases.
• Experience architecting or implementing digital engineering ecosystems or digital threads.
• Broad understanding of engineering disciplines and their interactions, including hardware, software, analysis, test, manufacturing, mission assurance, and program management.
• Experience influencing enterprise engineering standards, processes, investment strategies, or transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture, data architecture, interoperability, PLM, requirements management, DevSecOps, modeling and simulation, and related digital capabilities.
• Experience evaluating and implementing AI, automation, or advanced analytics within engineering environments.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
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.