Senior Principal II Hardware Engineer - Hardware Development Lead

Job Description BAE Systems is seeking a Hardware Development Lead for development programs within our Electronic Combat Solutions (ECS) business.

The Mission: Protecting Those Who Protect Us

At BAE Systems, we don't just build electronics; we create the decisive edge. Our Electronic Combat Solutions (ECS) team is developing the next generation of disruptive technologies that safeguard warfighters across land, sea, and air. We are looking for a Hardware Development Lead who is as passionate about technical excellence as they are about leading people.

The Challenge

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of 20+ engineers (Electrical, Mechanical, and Design Drafting) to push the boundaries of what is possible in rugged custom electronics. This isn't just about managing a schedule—it’s about solving the complex engineering hurdles associated with high-speed digital/mixed-signal circuit cards in the most demanding environments on earth.

Your Impact as a Technical Leader

• Drive Technical Excellence: Lead critical design reviews and architect hardware strategies that ensure program success and system reliability.
• Mentor and Scale: Grow the technical maturity of your team by providing guidance, fostering innovation, and ensuring the "right person is in the right job."
• Bridge the Gap: Act as the primary technical conduit between engineering, procurement, operations, and program management to move a design from concept to deployment.
• Shape the Future: Support program capture and proposal teams by defining hardware baselines and estimating the technical effort required for next-gen capabilities.
• Own the Execution: Balance the rigors of the Hardware Development Process with the agility needed to solve complex, real-world engineering problems.

• Clearance: Ability to obtain or maintain a DoD Security Clearance (Active Secret preferred)

Why Join BAE Systems?

We value the "deep work" required for engineering excellence. That’s why we offer a hybrid work format that balances collaborative, in-person lab work with remote focus time. We support your life outside of work with:

• Every Other Friday Off (9/80 schedule)
• Flextime & Telecommuting

• A Culture of Recognition for extraordinary technical contributions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Proven Technical Pedigree: A BSEE (or related field) and 10+ years of experience. You have a track record of taking complex digital/mixed-signal designs with embedded processors, FPGAs, and high-speed serial interfaces—from initial requirements through to successful verification.
• Multidisciplinary Leadership: Experience leading integrated teams of Electrical, Mechanical, and Drafting engineers.
• Lifecycle Expertise: Deep knowledge of the hardware product lifecycle, from schematic capture and PCB layout to environmental qualification.
• Strategic Mindset: Proficiency in Earned Value Management (EVM) or Cost Account Management (CAM) to ensure technical goals align with program constraints.

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.