The Chief Engineer leads RF payload development, guiding teams in design, integration, and customer collaboration while ensuring technical excellence.
Job Description
BAE Space and Mission Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS) is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Payload Systems Chief Engineer to lead the development of state-of-the-art RF payloads for our customers. As a key member of our leadership team, you'll be responsible for guiding a team of engineers and technicians in the design, development, and delivery of innovative payload solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. If you're a seasoned RF payloads expert with a passion for leading high-performing teams and driving technical innovation, we encourage you to apply.
The Space Systems Strategic Business Unit unites space activities under one umbrella and collaborative environment: Civil Space, National Space, and Military Space.
What You'll Do:
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:
Short Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, 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.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. 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. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
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. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
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.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
BAE Space and Mission Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS) is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Payload Systems Chief Engineer to lead the development of state-of-the-art RF payloads for our customers. As a key member of our leadership team, you'll be responsible for guiding a team of engineers and technicians in the design, development, and delivery of innovative payload solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. If you're a seasoned RF payloads expert with a passion for leading high-performing teams and driving technical innovation, we encourage you to apply.
The Space Systems Strategic Business Unit unites space activities under one umbrella and collaborative environment: Civil Space, National Space, and Military Space.
What You'll Do:
- Evaluate RF sensing payload technology, develop or leverage company or subcontractor technologies and sensors as an offering for the identified opportunities.
- Lead the development of RF payload architectures and solutions that meet customer requirements and exceed expectations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, software development, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and test and evaluation, to ensure seamless integration of payload capabilities.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of engineers and technicians, including mentoring and coaching to help team members grow and develop their skills.
- Work closely with customers and stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet their requirements.
- Stay up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies in payload development and apply this knowledge to drive innovation and improvement in our capabilities.
- 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.
Short Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 10 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.
- Experience working with government technical support contractors and program technical representatives.
- Experience as a technical lead on RF sensing payloads, architectures, and development programs.
- Experience with rapid prototyping and/or hardware demonstrations.
- Experience with scoping and executing production programs and/or IRAD programs.
- Solid technical competence in space-based RF sensing payloads is required.
- Experience responding to government RFPs and supporting proposals.
- Must be a superb presenter with documented presentation experience to grow new business opportunities.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Solid technology evaluation skills.
- Must have demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in relevant technical environments.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS/BA in Engineering, Math, Physics, or a related field, plus 10 or more years of related experience.
- Experience in a Chief Engineer role or under a Chief Engineer mentor.
- 5-10 years of experience with payload and mission architecture.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, 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.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. 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. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
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. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
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.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
BAE Systems, Inc. Boulder, Colorado, USA Office
1600 Commerce St, Boulder, CO, United States, 80301
BAE Systems, Inc. Broomfield, Colorado, USA Office
BAE Systems, Inc. Space & Mission Systems headquarters Office

Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems.
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