Reporting to the Manager of RF Solutions within the ESA organization, this position primarily supports the Tactical Solutions business unit as a key member of the SPARK (Strategic Prototyping & Advanced Research Knowledge) group. SPARK is a high-velocity innovation hub dedicated to the execution of IRAD projects and the development of distinguishing technologies that ensure our business unit maintains undisputed technical leadership in the industry. SPARK brings together a powerhouse of RF, Mechanical, and M&P Engineers, alongside expert Development Technicians, to transform conceptual ideas into flight-ready hardware. Our primary mission is to optimize IRAD investment by concentrating talent and resources, ensuring that our most ambitious research is translated into tangible, discriminating capabilities. We are seeking a group of high-performing individuals with a proven track record of creativity, technical rigor, and an obsession with execution. As a Senior Principal Engineer within the SPARK group, you will serve as a corporate expert and technical authority in mechanical design. You will operate with virtually complete autonomy, initiating strategic technical approaches and developing advanced concepts that serve as the precedent for future hardware development across the organization. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution. **What You’ll Do:** - Architectural Leadership: Define the mechanical standards and advanced concepts for high-impact RF systems, including: - Next-generation Antenna and RF Electronic systems for platforms. - Pioneering conformal and high-temperature airborne platforms. - Advanced Phased array systems for ground, airborne, maritime, and space environments. - Strategic Ground Support and Special Test Equipment. - Expert Precision & Standards: Establish the corporate gold-standard for GD&T and precision assembly within the group, ensuring that the most complex, unique hardware challenges are solved with ingenuity and precision to avoid costly iterations. - Strategic Prototyping & Validation: Oversee the physical realization of advanced concepts within development areas, providing expert guidance on: - Complex bonding, layup, and high-precision mechanical integration. - Defining the strategy for RF testing and validation to ensure technical goals are met. - Developing new, innovative methods for risk reduction and qualification testing. - Technical Authority: Solve problems of unusual complexity that require a high degree of creativity and innovation. Your decisions will directly affect the financial and technical posture of the organization. - Cross-Functional Synergy: Act as the primary technical liaison between RF engineers, technicians, and M&P engineers. You will mentor other engineers and drive the collaboration required to turn an abstract concept into a physical reality. - Operational Strategy: Partner with senior leadership and support functions, including Supply Chain, to optimize procurement strategies and streamline the movement of critical materials through the building to meet long-range strategic goals. - Innovation Lifecycle & Handoff: Define and implement the "lean documentation" standards for the group. Ensure that the transition of advanced prototypes to other engineering teams is seamless, maintaining technical integrity while maximizing development speed. - Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule. - Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment. - Perform other duties as necessary. **On-Site Work Environment:** This position requires regular in-person engagement by working **on-site five days** each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. **Working Conditions:** - Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment. - May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required. - May access other facilities in various weather conditions. ## Required Skills and Education - BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience. - Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education. - A current, active Secret security clearance is required. - Recognized expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks with the ability to develop new applications based on professional principles and theories. - Mastery of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) with a history of solving unique, complex assembly challenges. - Extensive experience in the mechanical design of RF Electronic systems, specifically in developing new techniques for shielding and thermal management. - Proven ability to work under consultative direction toward long-range goals, initiating assignments and managing them to completion with minimal supervision. - Ability to maintain a DoW Secret security clearance and applicable SAP’s. - Comfort and experience working within secure areas and adhering to strict security protocols. #LI-MF1 ## Preferred Skills and Education - Deep expertise in the "hands-on" fabrication of RF prototypes, including advanced bonding and layup processes. - Experience serving as a technical advisor to senior external personnel or management on significant technical matters. - Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for both rapid prototyping and scalable production. ## About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. 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. Multiple positions may be available on this opening. ## Benefits Information 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. Intern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance. Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).