Principal Engineer - Image and Signal Processing

Job Description
BAE Systems Aerospace and Mission Systems (AMS) is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in Image and Hyperspectral & EO/IR Image Processing to solve complex intelligence and defense-related problems. This role focuses on leading development and integration of advanced scientific algorithms to process, exploit, and disseminate data from hyperspectral imaging sensors. You perform as a hyperspectral subject matter expert (SME) for a team creating high-impact applications for exploiting hyperspectral data; extracting a range of information about activities, targets, and processes. Your expertise will ensure that remote sensing capabilities are optimized to detect, track, and characterize critical events.
This role is pivotal to the advancement of geospatial intelligence and signal processing capabilities across the organization. By applying rigorous statistical and physics-based phenomenological understand and advanced mathematical frameworks, you enable the extraction of a range of mission-critical information from multispectral data. Your ability to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and deployable software ensures that warfighters and strategic planners have the information required to make critical decisions based on well-characterized, timely, and accurate information.
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:

• 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 6 or more years related experience
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., master's degree and/or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. 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 TS/SCI security clearance is required.
• Primary Technical Proficiency:
  • Image Processing: Mastery of image processing techniques and target detection in Hyperspectral / EO-IR imagery.
  • Event Characterization: Expertise in extracting relevant event information from remote sensing data.
  • AI/ML: Proficiency in applying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to signal or image processing.
  • Geospatial Intelligence: Deep understanding of GEOINT principles.
  • Coordinate Systems: Proficiency in using ECEF (Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed) and ECI (Earth-Centered Inertial) coordinate systems.
• Computing: Proficiency in high-level computing languages, specifically Python or MATLAB.

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Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Education & Experience: Preference for candidates exceeding the required years of experience for their respective degree level.
• Geolocation: Expertise in target geolocation from imagery.
• Tracking & Track Fusion: Experience with target tracking and track correlation.
• Applied Sciences: A foundation in Applied Mathematics and Physics.
• Multi-Sensor Fusion: Experience fusing data from multiple sensors and sensor types
• Near-Real-Time Processing: Experience transitioning algorithms to automated processing chains that ingest data as they are received and produce products with short turn-around times.
• Collaborative Mindset: A commitment to innovation and the ability to establish effective working relationships across Strategic Business Units and Strategic Capabilities Units.

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, 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.