Principal II Systems Engineer - EOIR (SEIT & IV&V Lead)

Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Systems Engineer to serve as the primary technical lead for an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EOIR) sensor program. This is a critical "hybrid" leadership role requiring a candidate who can execute the full SEIT (Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test) lifecycle while simultaneously serving as the IV&V (Independent Verification and Validation) Lead.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the EOIR system meets all mission-critical performance requirements through rigorous architectural oversight, integration strategy, and an uncompromising validation and verification framework.
Key Responsibilities
1. SEIT Leadership (Systems Engineering, Integration & Test)

• Lifecycle Management: Lead the SEIT process from conceptual design and requirement decomposition through to final system acceptance and fielding.
• Integration Strategy: Develop and execute complex integration plans for EOIR payloads, ensuring seamless interfacing with platforms (e.g., aircraft, maritime or ground) and C2 systems.
• Technical Oversight: Lead Trade Studies, Interface Control Document (ICD) development, and System Requirements Reviews (SRRs) and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs).
• Risk Management: Identify technical risks early in the design phase and implement mitigation strategies to prevent schedule slips or performance gaps.

2. IV&V Leadership (Independent Verification & Validation)

• V&V Framework: Establish the IV&V plan, defining the boundary between internal developer testing and independent validation.
• Test Strategy: Lead the development of Test Plans, Test Procedures, and Test Reports (TPTRs) for EOIR-specific metrics (e.g., MTF, NETD, boresight alignment, tracking accuracy).
• Compliance: Ensure all system requirements are traceable via a Requirement Traceability Verification Matrix (RTVM).
• Audit & Assurance: Act as the final technical authority to certify that the system is "mission-ready" and meets the end-user's operational needs.

3. EOIR Domain Expertise

• Apply deep knowledge of optical physics, active optical systems, infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs), lens assemblies, and image processing algorithms.
• Oversee the calibration and alignment processes for multi-spectral sensor suites.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams to optimize sensor performance and latency.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. (M.S. preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years of Systems Engineering experience, with at least 5 years specifically focused on EOIR/Optical systems.
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading SEIT and IV&V efforts on a major defense or aerospace program.
• Tool Proficiency: Expert-level experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama) and systems modeling (e.g., MagicDraw, Cameo/SysML).
• Technical Writing: Ability to author high-level technical specifications and executive-level verification summaries.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC) and MIL-STD-810 (Environmental Testing).
• Experience with target acquisition algorithms and automated test equipment (ATE).
• Active [Insert Level] Security Clearance.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Requirement Coverage: 100% traceability from high-level mission requirements to validated test results.
• Integration Efficiency: Reduction in "discovered" interface errors during final system integration.
• Schedule Adherence: On-time delivery of the IV&V Final Report and System Acceptance.

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.