FAST Labs - Senior Principal Engineer - EO/IR Systems ($10K Sign On Bonus)
About the role
Join our dynamic team of innovators and shape the future of technology with us. We're on the hunt for curious and driven individuals who thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about harnessing the power of optical sensing technology to drive meaningful operational impact for our country's warfighters. If you're a creative problem-solver, a lifelong learner, and a team player who is always looking for ways to improve and innovate, we'd love to meet you.
The BAE Systems' FAST Labs team conducts research and development in advanced electronic solutions for the U.S. military, including:
- Advanced Electronics
- Autonomy
- Sensors & Processing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Electronic Warfare
- Cyber Operations & Defense
We foster a "what's next" mentality, driving the creation of cutting-edge solutions that address the defense industry's most pressing challenges. Our goal is to deliver game-changing capabilities that enhance situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and improve operational efficiencies.
Responsibilities
- Lead efforts to architect, design, and document early lifecycle EO/IR systems and associated capabilities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to work through EO/IR system development and integration challenges.
- Use dynamic, agile engineering methods and approaches that align with system cost, schedule, and performance requirements.
- Actively lead product integration and verification efforts, including development of methods and strategies to apply across the entire system design.
- Lead test campaign efforts 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
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Active Secret Clearance
- Bachelor's Degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
- 6+ years of professional experience in optics, lasers, precision pointing, optical lens systems, or imaging systems
- Advanced-level experience with design of optical systems for EO/IR applications
- Advanced-level experience with collecting, analyzing, and documenting EO/IR system requirements
- Experience in allocating and defining optical sub-system requirements from system-level specifications
- Excellent leadership, communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers in other disciplines
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing requirements
- Proficient with MATLAB and/or Python
- Advanced problem solving and debugging skills
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- 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 a laboratory environment
- Experience integrating and testing EO/IR systems in operationally relevant environments
- Knowledge of Digital Engineering methodologies and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices
- Experience in a rapid prototype environment
- Demonstrated success in System Engineering, Integration, and Test leadership roles
- Understanding of military operations and application of RF, cyber, and EW capabilities in these environments to enable mission success
- Experience participating and leading documentation and communication efforts with multi-disciplinary teams to develop data-driven designs, results, reports, and presentations
Work Environment
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.
We prioritize flexibility and support your needs outside of work, fostering a culture that values your contributions, collaboration, innovation, and well-being.
Pay
Full-Time Salary Range: $132,962 - $226,035. 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
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
- Life and accident insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Legal plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- 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
- Other incentives based on position level and job specifics
We also offer comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and tuition assistance to help you pursue advanced degrees or certifications.