Lead Systems Engineer - Test

Job Description
We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer - Test to support verification and validation (V&V) activities for Force Life Management (FLM) software supporting the F-35 Lightning II program.
This role combines hands-on systems/test engineering with leadership responsibility, managing and guiding a small team while also actively contributing to testing activities yourself. You will not be a purely managerial lead; instead, you will be expected to independently execute verification activities while coordinating the work of the wider team.
The FLM capability uses Prognostic Health Management (PHM) data to generate diagnostic and prognostic insights that support improved operational decision-making and reduced unplanned maintenance. The software is developed through the full lifecycle, including requirements definition, implementation, verification, and validation.
You will play a key role in ensuring that all software is rigorously tested within an F-35 ALIS emulator environment and meets customer and program expectations.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, guiding, and coordinating a small team delivering verification activities
• Executing systems and software verification and validation activities within an F-35 ALIS emulator environment
• Developing, maintaining, and executing test plans, test cases, and verification procedures aligned to system requirements
• Supporting requirements validation and ensuring full traceability from requirements through to test evidence
• Planning, tracking, and delivering test activities across multiple workstreams to meet program milestones
• Acting as a key interface with customers for external verification and integration activities
• Ensuring adherence to configuration management, quality assurance, and governance processes
• Working closely with systems and software engineers to ensure requirements are testable and correctly implemented
• Identifying, investigating, and raising risks, issues, and anomalies discovered during testing
• Providing clear reporting on test progress, outcomes, and quality status

This role requires strong technical test expertise and the ability to operate as a hands-on contributor while also providing day-to-day coordination and leadership of a small team in a delivery-focused environment.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Experience in systems engineering or software testing, with a strong focus on verification and validation
• Experience working in a hands-on testing role, executing test cases and verification procedures directly
• Experience developing and executing test cases, test procedures, and structured verification activities
• Understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, verification, validation)
• Experience working in controlled engineering environments with configuration management processes
• Ability to interpret system and software requirements and translate them into test activities
• Experience tracking test execution and reporting outcomes against delivery plans
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying and diagnosing system or software defects
• Effective communication skills for working within engineering teams and with stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of structure, accuracy, and accountability

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience on the F-35 Lightning II program or similar aerospace/defense systems
• Familiarity with Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) or related logistics/mission systems
• Exposure to Prognostic Health Management (PHM), diagnostics, or condition-based maintenance systems
• Experience with Common Desktop Environments (CDE) and System Test Tools
• Experience leading small engineering teams or work packages
• Experience working with external customers or prime contractors
• Experience in automated testing, simulation-based testing, or emulator-based verification environments
• Familiarity with Agile or iterative software delivery environments
• Exposure to MBSE tools or structured requirements management approaches
• Experience with Java or Python programming languages

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $107359 - $182510
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 Intelligence & Security
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.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
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.