Engineer Principal - Electrical Hardware Lead

Job Description The Electrical Hardware Lead will serve as the technical lead for the integration and testing of high-reliability, space-based electronics systems. You are responsible for the end-to-end electrical lifecycle of the electronics box, from initial architecture and requirement flow-down to final verification and delivery. Hardware Leads ensure that complex hardware and software interdependencies are managed effectively, risks are mitigated, and junior engineering staff are mentored to maintain technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design

• System Architecture: Define the box architecture and lead the overall electrical design for high-reliability space systems.
• Requirements Management: Interpret system-level and box requirements, ensuring precise flow-down to Printed Wiring Assemblies (PWAs), FPGAs, and software components.
• Design Oversight: Guide and oversee PWA and FPGA designs, managing the critical interdependencies between hardware and firmware to ensure seamless integration.
• Component Selection: Facilitate the selection and replacement of Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) parts, ensuring compliance with space-grade reliability standards.
• Technical Analysis: Validate that all electrical analyses are accurate and sufficient to formally "buy off" and verify system requirements.

Integration, Test & Verification

• Integration Lead: Oversee the physical and functional integration of the electronics box.
• Test Strategy: Support the development and verification of box test plans and procedures to ensure they are comprehensive and capable of verifying all requirements.
• STE Support: Review and support the design of Specific Test Equipment (STE) required for verification.
• Anomaly Resolution: Lead root-cause analysis and debug efforts for technical anomalies, driving the implementation of effective corrective actions.
• Documentation: Deliver the Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM) and all associated technical delivery documentation.

Program & Project Management

• Execution Planning: Review project schedules, forecast technical scope, and collaborate with Project Engineers to develop robust box execution plans.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and communicate technical and schedule risks to program leadership to prevent slippage.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish and maintain productive working relationships across Strategic Business Units (SBUs), Strategic Capabilities Units (SCUs), and the wider organization.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Technical Coaching: Provide direct technical mentoring to early-career engineers, fostering professional growth and technical proficiency.
• Team Building: Promote a collaborative team environment through active participation in project milestones and the development of junior staff.

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 Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher in Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
• Experience: 6+ years of related professional experience.
• Substitution Note: A Master’s degree or Ph.D. may substitute for two years of experience each. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Technical Skills

• Systems Engineering:
• Expertise in system-level and box-level requirement analysis and flow-down (to PWAs, FPGAs, and Software).
• Proficiency in creating box architectures and electrical designs.
• Ability to develop and maintain Requirements Verification Matrices (RVM) and comprehensive delivery documentation.

• Hardware & Design:
• Experience in electronic circuit design and electronic systems.
• Ability to guide PWA and FPGA designs, managing complex interdependencies.
• Expertise in Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) part selection and replacement strategies.

• Integration & Testing:
• Experience leading integration and developing comprehensive test plans.
• Ability to design, support, and review Specific Test Equipment (STE).
• Proficiency in verifying test procedures to ensure requirements buy-off.
• Advanced skills in anomaly debugging, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.

• Lab Proficiency:
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, and logic analyzers.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Project Management:
• Ability to forecast technical scope and provide input on execution plans.
• Proactive identification and mitigation of technical and schedule risks.

• Mentorship:
• Track record of providing technical mentoring to early-career engineers and fostering team development.

• Communication:
• Excellent verbal communication and professional presentation skills.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Aerospace & Defense: Prior experience with space-based or military-grade electronic design.
• Radiation Hardening: Knowledge of space radiation effects and the design of radiation-hardened (rad-hard) electronics.
• Specialized Electronics: Experience in the design of control electronics, precision instrumentation, or detector low-noise analog electronics.
• Electrical Design: Proficiency in designing mixed-signal analog/digital/FPGA electronics and power systems.
• Analysis Tools: Experience utilizing Matlab, Mathcad, and simulation tools such as PSPICE or LTSPICE.
• ECAD Tools: Experience with industry-standard schematic capture tools, specifically Mentor/Siemens, OrCad, or Altium.

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, 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.