Quick Summary
Technical Leadership: Define program integration and test approaches and generate comprehensive AI&T flows.
Identify necessary GSE, facilities, and equipment for AI&T and launch operations. Proposal Development: Author and review proposal responses and study reports,
Minimum $15,000 Sign on Bonus being offered for external hires.
BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS) is seeking an action-oriented Principal Engineer with deep intellectual curiosity to lead the testing execution of space flight hardware. As a technical leader within the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit, you will drive the successful delivery of high-impact, discriminating technologies for our customers' most critical missions.
This is a high-visibility role where you will mentor a team of engineers and technicians to ensure the flawless execution of spacecraft test campaigns. You will be responsible for:
Leading significant test campaigns for large-scale bus and space vehicle programs.
Architecting new business pursuits by defining technical AI&T strategies.
Driving the company’s strategic goals through technical excellence and operational leadership.
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:
- Technical Leadership: Define program integration and test approaches and generate comprehensive AI&T flows.
- Execution: Direct the integration and testing of spacecraft hardware within cleanroom and lab environments to verify requirements and calibrate performance.
- Strategic Planning: Identify necessary GSE, facilities, and equipment for AI&T and launch operations.
- Proposal Development: Author and review proposal responses and study reports, focusing on AI&T for spacecraft buses and integrated vehicles.
- Optimization: Develop creative solutions to reduce cost, schedule, and risk while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
- Financial Oversight: Provide accurate cost and schedule estimates for assembly, integration, and launch operations.
- Provide or support strategic direction and oversight for all AI&T operations.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Establish and track key performance metrics to ensure operational success.
- 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.
- 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.
- A current, active Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required.
- Experience in the testing of spacecraft, space vehicles, and their related components and systems is required.
- Experience in spacecraft environmental testing, performing pre and post validation of the spacecraft systems.
- Experience with spacecraft command and control systems, simulators, software test benches and other electrical ground support equipment.
- Experience with software in support of testing.
- Experience and interest in cost and schedule estimation activities and proposal efforts and / or IRAD activities.
- Presentation skills and communication skills a must.
- Demonstrated, mentoring, leadership and team building skills are desired.
- Must understand test processes including defining test strategies, test plans, and test procedures.
- Attention to detail while appreciating the bigger picture of the complex and ambitious projects that we take on at BAE Systems SMS.
- Knowledge and test experience using test automation applications and tools is desirable.
- Candidate should be proficient in MS Office tools and have computer skills.
- Applicants selected may be subjected to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Nice to Have
~1 min read- Familiarity with software testing at various levels, unit, integration, end-to-end, is highly desired.
- Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages is desired: JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or Go.
- Experience with COSMOS Command and Control Software.
- Experience with GitLab.
- Familiarity with software unit testing is desired.
- Direct experience with setting up and configuring RF GSE, including familiarity with testing measurement tools (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters).
- Identify and mitigate technical and schedule risks, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services.
- Drive business growth through innovative solutions, process improvements, and strategic partnerships.
- Develop and manage budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery of AI&T services.
- Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and customer requirements.
- Lead change management initiatives, ensuring seamless transition to new processes, technologies, or organizational structures.
- Space or military experience highly desired.
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.
What We Offer
~2 min readIntern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.
Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).
Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- Posted
- July 22, 2026
- First seen
- September 27, 2026
- Last seen
- September 27, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 11%
- Scored at
- September 27, 2026
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