Principal Software Engineer (Hybrid)

Job Description Do you want to design and develop software that truly matters—and contribute to a mission larger than yourself? Join us in protecting those who protect us by creating Next Generation Electronic Systems Products and Solutions.

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to become a key member of our growing Long Island team. BAE Systems in Greenlawn, NY is entering an exciting period of expansion with recently awarded programs, and we are looking for engineers with extensive expertise in embedded, real‑time software development for fielded electronic platforms.

What You’ll Do:

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will:

• Apply complete understanding of software engineering principles, industry practices, and standards to design and deliver complex, mission‑critical software solutions.

• Develop solutions to complex problems using ingenuity and innovation, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Work under general direction, independently defining approaches to technical challenges and planning your work to meet program goals.

• Influence major program objectives through your technical decision‑making, where strong judgment is critical to avoid serious program‑level impacts.

• Collaborate across disciplines—Systems, Hardware, Test, and Program Management—to drive the software development lifecycle from concept through delivery.

• Serve as a technical representative on significant internal and external matters, interacting with senior personnel and contributing to coordination across organizations.

What You Bring:

• Extensive professional experience in real‑time embedded software development.

• Proven ability to lead development efforts for complex systems, showing independence, sound technical judgment, and strong ownership of results.

• Demonstrated expertise across multiple phases of the software lifecycle, including architecture, implementation, integration, and verification.

• Strong communication skills enabling effective collaboration with internal engineering teams and external stakeholders.

Why BAE Systems?

At BAE Systems, you’ll be part of a culture built on trust, camaraderie, and a shared mission to lead in defense technology and national security solutions. We provide the tools, training, and flexibility you need to succeed—including a 9/80 work schedule, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for growth across a diverse portfolio of products and programs.

Because this role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6 to 8+ years of professional experience developing embedded or real‑time software systems, or equivalent experience consistent with Grade 11 senior‑level expectations.
• Complete understanding and application of software engineering principles, industry practices, techniques, and standards, with broad experience applying them in complex real‑world systems.
• Ability to independently develop solutions to complex problems using ingenuity and innovation, ensuring solutions align with organizational and program goals.
• Strong technical judgment and autonomy, capable of planning, scheduling, and executing work with general direction rather than detailed oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior internal and external personnel and represent engineering decisions in discussions that span multiple organizations.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of creating maintainable, high‑quality software for complex systems.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field, reflecting deeper technical specialization appropriate for senior‑level engineering roles.
• Extensive experience developing embedded, real‑time software for complex or safety‑critical systems.
• Working knowledge of modern software development tools such as Jira, Bitbucket, Git, static analysis tools, continuous integration systems, and hardware/software debuggers.
• Experience with DO‑178 or other formalized and regulated software development processes, including requirements traceability, rigorous testing, and documentation standards.
• Hands‑on experience collaborating across organizations or with external customers.
• Active Secret Clearance (or higher), enabling immediate contribution to classified programs.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $128831 - $219012

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.