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BAE Systems has filed 2 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 174 workers, most recently March 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

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About the job

Job Description Are you an experienced Software Engineer looking for the next step to grow your career? Do you want to design and write software that really matters and be a part of a cause greater than yourself?

The ESA Unit is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help develop a company-wide digital test procedure. Work with technical teams to develop the full stack application for a company-wide digital test procedure system.

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:

Be a key member of technical teams to design, develop, integrate, and certify digital test procedure application.

Create professional software applications.

Work under formal software development methodologies.

Engage with the SW team in the following activities: requirements definition, analysis and decomposition, support system level architecture definition, and design/implement software.

Collaborate with other disciplines to ensure digital test procedure application meets the end needs of the program.

Champion process improvement through lessons learned and inter-department activities.

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 three or more 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 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 JavaScript, Gitlab, and CI/CD.

Experience developing software on an Agile team.

Experience of software development on an Agile Team.

Demonstrated ability to work across engineering disciplines and cross-functional teams.

Self-starter, good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently and on a team.

#LI-LB3 A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access. Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Experience with Automated Unit Testing Suites.

Experience developing full-stack web applications.

Containerized Development and Automation experience.

Experience in Software Development supporting a full project lifecycle.

Experience with technical design and development of greenfield projects and/or substantial redesign/refactor of legacy projects.

Experience with scaling and maintaining enterprise applications in production.

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

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.