Principal Data Engineer

Job Description
As a Principal Data Engineer on the MPA team, you will lead the design and delivery of scalable data solutions that enable enterprise analytics and digital transformation. This role combines deep technical expertise, data architecture, and cross-functional leadership.
You will play a critical role in initiatives such as PLM and enterprise system transformations, ensuring data is properly cleansed, modeled, governed, and migrated.
Tech Environment (What You'll Work With)

• Data Platforms: SQL Server, SSAS Tabular
• Integration: SSIS, Python (ETL frameworks, automation)
• Data Virtualization: Denodo
• BI & Reporting: Power BI (Report Server), Excel
• Environment: Primarily on-prem with hybrid integrations
• Focus Areas: Data architecture, semantic modeling, governance, enterprise data transformations (PLM, ERP)

This is not a pure cloud data role-experience working in on-premises or hybrid enterprise environments is highly valued.
What You'll Do:

• Architect and build scalable pipelines and integration frameworks (SQL, SSIS, Python).
• Design and own tabular/semantic models (SSAS Tabular, Power BI datasets).
• Lead data workstreams for digital transformations, including:
  • Data profiling & quality assessment
  • Cleansing & standardization
  • Data mapping & transformation design
  • Migration validation
• Leverage Denodo for enterprise data access.
• Establish data governance (RBAC, ownership, quality standards).
• Optimize performance across pipelines and reporting layers.
• Mentor engineers, drive engineering best practices, and review designs/code.
• Lead projects and influences architecture decisions.
• Communicate effectively with business and technical stakeholders.
• 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 three or more 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 6 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.
• Advanced SQL + deep data modeling (dimensional + semantic).
• Demonstrated ETL experience using SSIS and Python.
• Solid understanding of enterprise data architecture.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale system migrations (PLM, ERP, etc.).
• Expertise in data cleansing, mapping, and migration strategy.

#LI-JL2
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with Denodo or similar.
• Proven experience with tabular models (SSAS Tabular / Power BI datasets).

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
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.