FAST Labs Principal Engineer - EO/IR Systems (up to $20K Sign On Bonus)

About the role

The BAE Systems' FAST Labs team conducts research and development in areas such as Advanced Electronics, Autonomy, Sensors & Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Operations & Defense. Our goal is to deliver game-changing capabilities that enhance situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and improve operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and document early lifecycle EO/IR systems and associated capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to work on EO/IR system development and integration challenges.
• Use dynamic, agile engineering methods and approaches that align with system cost, schedule, and performance requirements.
• Engage in product integration and verification efforts, including development of methods and strategies to apply across the entire system design.
• Participate in test campaigns to demonstrate developed capabilities and provide operational value in relevant environments.
• Work internally across BAE's Electronic Sector Business Areas to transition technology for productization.

Requirements

• Active Secret Clearance
• Bachelor's Degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of professional experience in optics, lasers, precision pointing, optical lens systems, or imaging systems
• Experience with design of optical systems for EO/IR applications
• Experience with collecting, analyzing, and documenting EO/IR system requirements
• Proficient with MATLAB and/or Python
• Good problem solving and debugging skills

Preferred

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Master's Degree or PhD in optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• Experience integrating and testing hardware and optical components in laboratory environments
• Experience integrating and testing EO/IR systems in operationally relevant environments
• Professional Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience
• Experience in a rapid prototype environment

Skills

Proactive, adaptable, and excited about tackling new challenges head-on. A creative problem-solver, a lifelong learner, and a team player.

Benefits

Full-time salary range: $118,095 - $200,762

Employee benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings accounts
• A 401(k) savings plan
• Disability coverage
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal plan
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave
• Recognition program
• Other incentives

Pay

Pay Information: Full-Time Salary Range: $118,095 - $200,762

Schedule

This role requires 100% on-site work at a BAE Systems facility due to the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and secure access to sensitive information. Occasional domestic travel may be required to support integration and test events.

Company Overview

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.