Engineer Senior Principal - Optical - Focal Plane Systems

Focal Plane Systems Engineer

Are you ready to design the eyes of the next generation of space payloads? We are looking for a Focal Plane Systems Engineer to architect cutting-edge electro-optical (EO) focal plane subsystems. This career offers a unique challenge: managing the complex intersection of optical physics, advanced materials science, high-speed electrical engineering, and cryogenic thermal management. Your work will directly enable critical capabilities to achieve mission success across Civil, Defense, and Tactical applications.

This position is for a Focal Plane Systems Engineer and will report to the Detector Technology Center of the Payload Engineering department within the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit of BAE Systems Space and Missions Systems (SMS). 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:

• Lead the development of custom focal plane subsystems with applications across the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, Visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) for space-based platforms.
• Define subsystem architectures and guide the design, integration, testing, and qualification of low-noise detectors used in high-speed video, and scientific applications.
• Develop system-level specifications, allocate requirements to the focal plane subsystem, and establish rigorous verification paths for hardware validation.
• Collaborate with detector test teams to implement focal plane signal path demonstrations, integrating hardware to characterize devices and debug operational issues.
• Conduct detailed focal plane subsystem analysis, specializing in radiometric, spatial, and spectral performance, noise characteristics, and digital signal integrity.
• Contribute to technical proposals for new EO payloads. Identify enabling focal plane technologies to meet mission objectives.
• Oversee focal plane procurement and major subcontract activities, including statement of work and specification development. Provide technical management of subcontracts, including evaluations, negotiations, and execution throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
• 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 Education, Experience, & Skills

• 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.
• Experience with modeling, testing, and performance analysis of focal planes.
• Knowledge of mechanical packaging of focal planes and the associated thermal and contamination control design.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with technical and executive stakeholders.
• Excellent customer service, accountability, professionalism, and interpersonal skills set.

Preferred…