Senior Principal Engineer—Sensor and Optical Systems
BAE Systems· Defense & Space· Oct 23, 2026 · 4d ago
Westminster, Colorado
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$226K
Job description
Job Description BAE Systems seeks a leader with a broad technical background. The ideal candidate is an optical and material science SME with experience in nonlinear and small form factor optics. Extensive experience with GmAPD detector calibration and testing is critical. The engineer will support optical and radiation hardening for programs of record and IRADs and support sensor concept development for RFI and Proposals. If you're a seasoned expert in these areas with a passion for deeply technical work and driving technical innovation, we encourage you to apply.
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:
• Become a sensor, coating, and optical Systems Engineering SME to support IRADS and CRADs across our Sensor product lines and programs of record.
• Perform as a materials science SME for our Lambda program: materials specifications, analyses, and performance assessments.
• Support our Nonlinear Optics IR&Ds: (Polychrome and Polymorph).
• Support our Small Form Factor IR&D.
• Support GmAPD improvements: detector calibration, yield, testing, optical and radiation hardening for programs of record (Zeus, Nemesis, Helios) and IRADs (Ignite).
• Support sensor concept development for RFI responses and proposals.
• 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 related degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of related 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.
• Nonlinear Optics Background.
• Optical Material expertise in design, development, prototyping and testing.
• Expertise in optical sensor testing and calibration.
• Optical coating experience.
• Experience with Python or other programming and modeling languages.
• Experience working with DoW and/or IC technical support contractors and program technical representatives.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and/or hardware demonstrations.
• Experience with scoping and executing production programs and/or IRAD programs.
• Experience operating within classified program environments.
• Customer interfacing and proposal development.
• Superb presenter with documented presentation experience to grow new business opportunities.
• Excellent written communication and technology evaluation skills.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in relevant technical environments.
#LI-GJ1 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 • MS or PhD in Engineering, Math, Physics, or a related field.
• Technical leadership experience, including R&D program and technical roadmap ownership, statement of work (SOW) and milestone planning, and strategic partner and vendor management.
• Electro-optical materials and devices background.
• Experiment design and data reduction, processing, and visualization.
• Familiarity with materials processes with regards to sensors and coatings.
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, Inc. 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.
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Benefits
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Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off