Senior Principal Software Engineer (APKWS)

Job Description Build Something That Matters

Join the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Software Team within our Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions (PGSS) business. This is an opportunity to move beyond theoretical coding and work on capabilities critical to the defense of our nation.
We are a franchise program in multiple stages of development from production to high-impact prototyping. This means we aren't just maintaining old code—we are building, testing, and refining new capabilities as we maintain our existing production. We are looking for engineers who are ready to take ownership of features and help translate complex architecture into software running on real-world target hardware.
We need people who can help us go from the prototype phase to creating dependable software for our products as they go into production to protect the war-fighter.

The Challenge

You will be an individual contributor focused on the design and implementation of embedded and production support software. You will work at the cutting edge of hardware-software integration, utilizing System-on-Chip (SoC), FPGA, and System-on-a-Module (SOM) architectures leveraging ARM processors. This role is perfect for an engineer who loves seeing their code interact with physical hardware in high-precision environments.

Your Impact

• Architectural Vision: Define software architectures, ensuring they meet mission requirements and are adaptable for future upgrades.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify technical risks early in the prototyping phase and develop mitigation strategies to keep the program on track.
• Cross-Functional Strategy: Collaborate with Systems and Hardware leads to align the software roadmap with the overall weapon system design.
• Technical Governance: Establish coding standards and architectural guidelines to ensure consistency across the entire software codebase.
• Expert Consultancy: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Xilinx SoC and ARM-based embedded systems.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• 8+ years of professional experience, with a track record of delivering complex embedded systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Computer Engineering, EE, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret Security Clearance.
• Expert-level proficiency in embedded C/C++ and system-level design.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Extensive experience with high-reliability, mission-critical software.
• Proven ability to translate high-level mission requirements into detailed technical specifications.
• Experience managing technical debt and legacy system modernization.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

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.