Senior Principal Program Systems Engineer

About BAE 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.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

Job Description

BAE Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Program Systems Engineer with specialized experience in DoW programs to support our work as a prime contractor on a high-profile U.S. Navy weapon system. The candidate will have extensive knowledge and understanding of Systems Engineering for complex system of systems to successfully deliver major programs in alignment with the DoD 5000 Acquisition framework.

The Senior Principal Program Systems Engineer will be supporting the Navy customer in planning and executing technical reviews and milestones in accordance with Navy Strategic Systems Program (SSP) and DoD 5000 acquisition guidelines.

The Senior Principal Program Systems Engineer will assist in the development of instructions and guidance to execute systems engineering management functions to support Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) milestone event planning and execution. This role involves facilitating critical acquisition milestones, ensuring compliance with exit/entry criteria, and providing expert analysis to buy down technical risk at the system level.

The Senior Principal Program Systems Engineer will report into the Program Area Manager for Technical Planning and Execution and provide expert technical guidance and oversight to multidisciplinary teams (Requirements, Architecture, Verification, Integration, Test, Safety, Cybersecurity) to ensure seamless integration and interoperability of strategic deterrence components and subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight and Integration:
  • Overseeing and advising systems engineering activities throughout the entire acquisition lifecycle. This includes concept and requirements definition, design, development, test, deployment, and sustainment for ACAT 1 programs.
  • Support and Coordinate Technical Reviews, leveraging training and experience to provide informed analysis and recommendations
  • Collaborate with engineering, logistics, test, and contracting teams to ensure comprehensive technical analysis and evaluation is performed
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of Acquisition program documentation, OQEs, technical assessments (SRRs, PDRs, Milestone A, etc.), and decision memos
  • Participate in subsystem SETR events to identify system impacts; facilitate working groups to resolve technical issues
• Risk Management:
  • Conduct risk assessments and identify potential technical risks.
  • Assist in developing mitigation strategies to address identified risks.
• Documentation:
  • Maintain comprehensive program documentation including white papers, status briefings, and technical assessments.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering within a DoW acquisition environment
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and methodologies. This includes requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), risk management, configuration management, and architecture development.
• In depth knowledge of strategic deterrence concepts, systems, and operations, including applicable policies, regulations, and threats.
• Thorough understanding of the DoD 5000 Adaptive Acquisition Framework, acquisition phases, milestones, and documentation requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex information to stakeholders.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Masters Degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or similar
• Submarine Officer with preference for SSBN experience
• Strong experience with ACAT 1 strategic deterrence programs (ICBM, SLBM, nuclear command and control)
• Prior or current experience with Missile Weapons Systems
• Nuclear Qualified officer
• PMP, CAPM certification
• Knowledge/Experience supporting Navy SSP

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
• 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.

Posting Information

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.