Engineer Senior Principal - Optical - Focal Plane Systems

Job Description
Are you ready to design the eyes of the next generation of space payloads? We are looking for a Focal Plane Systems Engineer to architect cutting-edge electro-optical (EO) focal plane subsystems. This career offers a unique challenge: managing the complex intersection of optical physics, advanced materials science, high-speed electrical engineering, and cryogenic thermal management. Your work will directly enable critical capabilities to achieve mission success across Civil, Defense, and Tactical applications.
This position is for a Focal Plane Systems Engineer and will report to the Detector Technology Center of the Payload Engineering department within the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit of BAE Systems Space and Missions Systems (SMS).
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:

• Lead the development of custom focal plane subsystems with applications across the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, Visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) for space-based platforms.
• Define subsystem architectures and guide the design, integration, testing, and qualification of low-noise detectors used in high-speed video, and scientific applications.
• Develop system-level specifications, allocate requirements to the focal plane subsystem, and establish rigorous verification paths for hardware validation.
• Collaborate with detector test teams to implement focal plane signal path demonstrations, integrating hardware to characterize devices and debug operational issues.
• Conduct detailed focal plane subsystem analysis, specializing in radiometric, spatial, and spectral performance, noise characteristics, and digital signal integrity.
• Contribute to technical proposals for new EO payloads. Identify enabling focal plane technologies to meet mission objectives.
• Oversee focal plane procurement and major subcontract activities, including statement of work and specification development. Provide technical management of subcontracts, including evaluations, negotiations, and execution throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
• 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.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 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 with modeling, testing, and performance analysis of focal planes.
• Knowledge of mechanical packaging of focal planes and the associated thermal and contamination control design.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with technical and executive stakeholders.
• Excellent customer service, accountability, professionalism, and interpersonal skills set.

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A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics, or other related technical field plus 8 or more years related experience.
• An advanced degree.
• A current, active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Leadership experience with technical teams.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
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 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.