Engineer Principal – Systems – Space Vehicle

About the Role

Join the Space Vehicle Engineering team—a group of motivated problem solvers who enjoy both work and life. We are excited about the challenging projects we undertake and are committed to the missions we enable. This position offers growth opportunities at all levels of skill and experience. As a Space Vehicle Engineer, you will lead the Space Vehicle or Spacecraft Engineering team through development, test, and delivery of highly capable space systems, supporting the Chief Engineer or Lead Systems Engineer to ensure the company delivers a system that meets technical performance specifications and mission needs.

This is a challenging, fast-paced role that will be exciting and highly gratifying for the successful candidate. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical representative to BAE SMS’s program office, external customers, and partners, including payload, launch, and ground systems providers.
• Interface with and support the program chief engineer.
• Manage the space vehicle or Bus technical baseline.
• Lead preparation and execution of major design and readiness reviews.
• Provide leadership to the system engineer staff generating engineering documents, including specifications, interface control documents, and test plans.
• Work in a dynamic environment with multiple working groups, interfaces, and all spacecraft subsystems.
• Provide direction and prioritization to the space vehicle team.
• Lead and guide mission and space vehicle level trade studies and analysis—balancing technical performance, cost, and risk.
• Serve as the technical authority for risk assessment and anomaly resolution during both I&T and on-orbit operations.
• Oversee and guide the Architecture and Design team in:
  • Developing and utilizing technical trades studies to define the system architecture.
  • Utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and processes to develop and document the system architecture, interfaces, and CONOPS.
  • Trading technical performance options and impacts.
  • Defining System CONOPS.
• Participate in writing proposals and creating and delivering presentations.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Develop and coach systems engineers on the space vehicle team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the Company.
• Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

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.

Requirements

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required, plus 6 or more years of related experience.
• Each higher-level degree (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 an accredited institution recognized by the US Secretary of Education or US Department of Education.
• Proven success as a technical team lead with experience in all phases of execution of a space hardware program.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to effectively lead group discussions, and ability to set priorities and delegate as required to meet all objectives.
• 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 Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) – CAM experience.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering expertise is highly desirable.
• Possession of a current TS/SCI clearance or ability to retain one once hired.
• Technical Vision: Provides strategic technical direction and drives innovation.
• Collaborative Leadership: Fosters open communication, transparency, and teamwork.
• Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates complex technical and programmatic risks.
• Talent Development: Prioritizes team growth, well-being, and performance.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $118,095 - $200,762. This range is based on market pay structures. 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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal plan.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Employee recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.