Senior Principal Software Engineer – Production Support

Job Description Do you want to write software that truly matters?
Do you want to play a direct role in bringing America’s warfighters home safely?
Do you want to apply your technical mastery to a cause greater than yourself?
If so, we need to talk.

In Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions (PS), we design, develop, and manufacture state-of-the-art systems that enable our customers to execute their missions. We are the industry leaders in seeker, guidance, and control technologies for precision munitions.
We are looking for a seasoned Senior Principal Software Engineer who finds satisfaction in technical excellence and the challenge of keeping the factory running. This role is the backbone of our high-volume manufacturing environment, supporting critical programs such as THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). You will be responsible for the software and systems that build, test, and troubleshoot these products. Your work ensures that our production lines stay active and that the tools used to verify our technology are precise and reliable—directly impacting our ability to deliver critical capabilities to the warfighter.
Your Impact:

• Technical Stewardship: Serve as the subject matter expert for the software that powers our manufacturing and test equipment, ensuring high-volume production remains seamless and efficient.
• Production Problem Solving: Tackle complex software challenges in real-time to resolve bottlenecks on the factory floor and prevent production delays.
• Systems Optimization: Use your expertise to evolve our existing production processes, implementing new techniques to improve the reliability of our build and test software.
• Hands-on Integration: Balance independent deep-work with collaborative time on the factory floor, working directly with the machines and systems that bring our technology to life.

Note: This is an in-office position to allow for direct integration with our manufacturing floor.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of 6 years of professional experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Deep technical proficiency and a strong background in C/C++.
• Experience with NI Test Stand

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience designing or implementing software algorithms.
• Strong familiarity with software engineering processes, methodologies, and tools.
• Proven track record in software testing, validation, and verification (V&V) activities.

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.