Principal Software Engineer (Hybrid)

About the Role

Join us in protecting those who protect us by creating Next Generation Electronic Systems Products and Solutions. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to become a key member of our growing Long Island team. BAE Systems in Greenlawn, NY is entering an exciting period of expansion with recently awarded programs, and we are looking for engineers with extensive expertise in embedded, real-time software development for fielded electronic platforms.

This role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work in a hybrid format, with time split between working onsite and remotely.

Responsibilities

• Apply complete understanding of software engineering principles, industry practices, and standards to design and deliver complex, mission-critical software solutions.
• Develop solutions to complex problems using ingenuity and innovation, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Work under general direction, independently defining approaches to technical challenges and planning your work to meet program goals.
• Influence major program objectives through your technical decision-making, where strong judgment is critical to avoid serious program-level impacts.
• Collaborate across disciplines—Systems, Hardware, Test, and Program Management—to drive the software development lifecycle from concept through delivery.
• Serve as a technical representative on significant internal and external matters, interacting with senior personnel and contributing to coordination across organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6 to 8+ years of professional experience developing embedded or real-time software systems, or equivalent experience consistent with Grade 11 senior-level expectations.
• Complete understanding and application of software engineering principles, industry practices, techniques, and standards, with broad experience applying them in complex real-world systems.
• Ability to independently develop solutions to complex problems using ingenuity and innovation, ensuring solutions align with organizational and program goals.
• Strong technical judgment and autonomy, capable of planning, scheduling, and executing work with general direction rather than detailed oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior internal and external personnel and represent engineering decisions in discussions that span multiple organizations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record of creating maintainable, high-quality software for complex systems.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field, reflecting deeper technical specialization appropriate for senior-level engineering roles.
• Extensive experience developing embedded, real-time software for complex or safety-critical systems.
• Working knowledge of modern software development tools such as Jira, Bitbucket, Git, static analysis tools, continuous integration systems, and hardware/software debuggers.
• Experience with DO-178 or other formalized and regulated software development processes, including requirements traceability, rigorous testing, and documentation standards.
• Hands-on experience collaborating across organizations or with external customers.
• Active Secret Clearance (or higher), enabling immediate contribution to classified programs.

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 and life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and a legal plan.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Company recognition program to receive 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.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $128,831 - $219,012. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

About the Company

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace, and security company delivering products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services. At BAE Systems, you’ll be part of a culture built on trust, camaraderie, and a shared mission to lead in defense technology and national security solutions.

Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Our products and capabilities span from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. With over 14,000 highly talented employees, we push the limits of what is possible to give our customers the edge and provide opportunities to change the world.