Engineer Senior Principal III - Mission Chief Engineer

Job Description
BAE Systems Aerospace & Mission Systems (AMS) is seeking a visionary technical leader to steer the development and execution of next-generation space-based systems. This is a high-impact role designed for a seasoned engineer who can bridge the gap between complex technical requirements and strategic mission objectives.
As a Mission Chief Engineer, you will not simply manage a project; you will be the technical authority for missions that define the future of the aerospace domain. You will operate at the highest levels of the organization, serving as the primary technical liaison between our engineering teams, BAE Systems executive leadership, and key government stakeholders. If you possess the technical depth to guide a program from inception to operational delivery and the executive presence to influence strategic decision-making, we invite you to lead this mission.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the 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.
What You'll Do:

• End-to-End Stewardship: Provide authoritative technical guidance and direction to multidisciplinary teams throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial conceptualization to final operational delivery of space systems.
• Operational Design: Champion the development and execution of Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) that align with customer mission objectives and identify critical gaps in the deployment process.
• Design Authority: Drive the execution of complex design trade studies, ensuring that all technical solutions are optimized for the mission and scalable for the future.
• Risk Management: Own the technical risk profile for the mission, developing and executing robust mitigation plans to ensure program success.
• Technical Governance: Lead and steer critical technical reviews, Flight Readiness Boards (FRBs), and high-priority "Tiger Teams" to resolve complex system bottlenecks.
• Executive & Customer Diplomacy:
  • Strategic Interface: Serve as a primary technical point of contact for government customers and BAE Systems executives, translating complex technical challenges into actionable strategic insights.
  • Executive Influence: Partner with the Program Management Office and the Chief Systems Engineer to align technical execution with corporate and customer priorities.
  • High-Stakes Communication: Prepare and deliver high-level technical briefings and strategic recommendations to senior government officials and executive leadership.
• Organizational Mentorship & Growth:
  • Technical Stewardship: Mentor and coach senior and mid-level engineers, elevating the collective technical capability of the Mission Systems organization.
  • Process Innovation: Establish best-in-class systems engineering standards that ensure the delivery of high-impact, discriminating technologies.
• 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 12 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.
• A current, active Top Secret security clearance is required with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.
• Technical Mastery:
  • Mission Concept Development: Proven expertise in developing and analyzing comprehensive mission concepts, with a specific focus on the integration of space, launch, and ground segments.
  • Full-Lifecycle Hardware Execution: Demonstrated mastery of all phases of hardware program execution, from initial planning and design reviews through manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and final on-orbit mission operations.
  • Systems Engineering Process: Deep proficiency in the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle, including:
    • Requirement derivation, allocation, and management.
    • Development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
    • Rigorous Change Management.
    • Verification & Validation (V&V).
  • Digital Engineering: Proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with hands-on experience utilizing Cameo and Jama.
• Strategic Leadership & Influence:
  • Customer Stewardship: Extensive knowledge of mission sets and core technology areas, with a proven track record of maintaining established relationships with key personnel within the critical customer community.
  • Technical Orchestration: Demonstrated experience leading and synchronizing multidisciplinary teams within complex business environments to achieve high-impact project milestones.
  • Executive Communication: Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with documented experience delivering technical briefings and strategic recommendations to senior decision-makers and technical audiences.

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Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Current active TS/SCI security clearance.
• An advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated expertise in the seamless integration of space and ground segments.
• Strategic experience in acquisition management, including the technical oversight of suppliers and subcontractors.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743
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, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
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.