Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Airborne PNT (Hybrid, Sign On Bonus & Relocation Available)

Job Description
Because this role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely.
You don't see it, but it's there. Our employees work on the world's most advanced electronics - from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you'll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry's most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first - exemplified by our missions: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®" and "We Innovate For Those Who Move The WorldTM." Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.
Looking for an exciting career that utilizes your boundless creativity and technical innovation? We're looking for engineers who share our passion in developing industry-leading navigation technologies and equipment to protect our warfighters on all fronts.
Navigate the Future of Defense.
At BAE Systems, our employees develop the world's most critical electronics-from protecting pilots in contested airspace to enabling precision landings at sea. We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to join our high-impact team dedicated to the development of military GPS and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) products for the airborne and maritime market spaces.
In this role, you will be a key technical driver in the development of next-generation navigation solutions supporting programs such as the Maritime and Aviation Receiver Card (MAVRC) and Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS), as well as have the opportunity to work on the advancement of cutting-edge anti-jam technologies like DIGAR™. You will apply deep systems engineering rigor to ensure our products are technologically superior, reliable, and developed through a disciplined process that ensures mission success in the most challenging environments.
You will operate across the full Systems Engineering V-Model-from initial concept and architecture to integration and qualification. This role requires a professional who can bridge the gap between high-level operational requirements and detailed technical specifications for real-time embedded systems, ensuring that every requirement is traceable, verifiable, and aligned with customer needs.
Roles and Responsibilities

• Systems Development: Lead the analysis, decomposition, and derivation of system-level requirements into detailed software, hardware, and interface specifications.
• Process Leadership: Implement and drive a disciplined product development process, ensuring high-quality engineering artifacts and robust configuration management.
• Architecture & Design: Contribute to the architectural design of real-time embedded GPS receivers, focusing on performance, reliability, and seamless integration into complex airborne platforms.
• Verification & Validation: Develop comprehensive system test plans, procedures, and reports. Lead system integration and verification activities in a lab environment to validate that the product meets all performance and operational requirements.
• Digital Engineering: Utilize and promote Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) techniques to improve requirements traceability, system modeling, and design communication.
• Technical Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams-including software, RF, and hardware engineers-to resolve complex technical challenges and perform trade studies.
• Mentorship: Serve as a technical mentor to junior and mid-level engineers, promoting best practices in systems engineering and professional development.
• Customer Engagement: Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal leadership and external government/military customers.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related).
• Experience:
  • 8+ years with a BS
  • 6+ years with an MS
  • 4+ years with a PhD
• Systems Rigor: Proven experience across the full product development lifecycle (Requirements, Architecture, Design, Integration and Test).
• Technical Domain: Experience with real-time embedded systems and a solid understanding of system-level interfaces and hardware/software interaction.
• Communication: Expertise in documenting and communicating complex technical designs, results, and reports to diverse stakeholders.
• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Certification Experience: Familiarity with airborne product requirements and development processes used for certification (e.g., DO-178C and DO-254).
• MBSE Expertise: Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or SysML.
• PNT Domain Knowledge: Specific experience with military GPS, anti-jam (AJ) technology, or PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) solutions.
• Tool Proficiency: Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and modeling/analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Clearance: Currently hold an active US Government Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Advanced Degree: Master's or PhD in Electrical or Systems Engineering.
• Applied AI: Proven experience leveraging generative AI tools to enhance and automate engineering tasks.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $120874 - $205486
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, Inc.
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.