Hardware Test Sr Principal Engineer II

Job Description Company Overview

Our engineers design and deliver the world’s most advanced electronics – from threat‑detection systems for pilots to night‑vision solutions for soldiers. Operating across air, land, sea, and space, we develop tomorrow’s technology today. We champion diversity, flexible work environments, and a mission‑driven culture: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®.”

Role Summary

As the Lead Test Engineer you will head programs that design, develop, and implement test stations for both electrical and microwave circuits. You will also act as the Cost Account Manager (CAM), creating schedules, budgets, and staffing plans, while leading a multidisciplinary test team through the transition‑to‑production, production‑support, and sustainment phases of our ECS product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of test stations and test approaches for complex electrical and microwave designs.
• Serve as Cost Account Manager (CAM): own schedule creation, budget management, and staffing requirements.
• Develop, execute, and maintain comprehensive test plans and strategies to validate hardware performance and reliability.
• Direct a team of test engineers and technicians, delegating tasks, providing technical guidance, and ensuring timely task closure.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional groups (hardware suppliers, subcontractors, manufacturing, quality) to resolve technical issues, improve product yield, and control costs.
• Manage technical relationships with subcontractors and hardware suppliers, overseeing deliverables and quality.
• Support production issues in assembly, test/debug, and quality; ensure the test environment meets on‑time delivery commitments for the War Fighter.
• Assess design updates to existing electrical and microwave circuits and recommend improvements.

Day‑to‑Day Activities

• Leading design and development of test stations and test approaches.
• Assessing design updates to existing electrical and microwave designs.
• Delegating tasks to less‑experienced engineers and technicians.
• Technical management of subcontractors and hardware suppliers.
• Driving product‑yield and affordability improvements.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years of experience on RF/microwave and digital products, preferably in the defense industry.
• Proven experience testing and troubleshooting complex EW systems, including both electrical and microwave circuits.
• Background supporting a production environment.
• Motivated self‑starter with strong leadership abilities and a collaborative team mindset.
• Excellent problem‑solving, judgment, and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to close discrete tasks promptly and lead others to closure.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Active or previously held Secret Clearance (highly preferred).

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Active Secret Clearance (highly preferred).
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience in RF/microwave subsystem, module, and circuit design and development.
• Experience gathering and analyzing test data to identify trends and develop yield‑improvement plans.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317

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.