Principal Software Engineer (Sign On Bonus Available)

Job Description Join BAE Systems’ Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) business area and lead the development of the next‑generation RF software for the P‑8A Poseidon Self‑Protection (P8‑ASP) program. Building on a $95 million U.S. Navy contract, which is BAE’s electronic‑warfare solution that detects, exploits, and counters advanced missile threats, you will help shape a capability of strategic importance. As a member of the software development team, you will help evolve the RF‑interface CSCI and integrate the 3U Direct Digital IRAD capability, delivering the performance and reliability needed to protect the Poseidon crew and enable operations in contested environments.

In this software engineering role you will design, implement, and unit‑test high‑performance RF signal‑processing algorithms using modern C++ on Linux, and develop supporting tools and scripts in Python for simulation, data analysis, and verification. You will work closely with systems, hardware, and test engineers to translate requirements into clean, maintainable code, and you will participate in code reviews, static‑analysis, and continuous‑integration processes to ensure software quality and airworthiness compliance. Experience with real‑time processing, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and open‑architecture integration will enable you to contribute effectively to rapid‑prototype builds and low‑rate production deliveries.

You will collaborate in an Agile, DevSecOps‑driven environment, using the Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) and Git for source control and CI/CD pipelines. While the position is primarily based at BAE’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities, occasional travel to customer sites may be required to support integration activities, troubleshoot issues, and demonstrate software functionality. By delivering robust, high‑quality RF software you will directly support BAE Systems’ mission—We Protect Those Who Protect Us®—and help ensure the next generation of maritime aircraft remains safe and mission‑ready in the most demanding threat environments.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Active Secret Clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field, and minimum of 10 years work experience or equivalent experience in Test Automation
• Demonstrated ability to develop, lead, and motivate technical teams
• Experience in embedded software development in C/C++
• Foundation in Object-Oriented design and implementation principles
• Software engineering processes, methodologies, and tools
• Software testing, validation, and verification activities
• Understanding of Agile and DevSecOps development practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Strong communication skills and ability to contribute to customer meetings, technical reviews, and design discussions

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering
• Full life-cycle software development
• Customer/Subcontractor interfacing

• Experience using Git/Bitbucket, Jira, and Confluence

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.