Senior Principal Systems Engineer - EO/IR
BAE Systems
Huntsville, AL · Posted October 23, 2026
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Where Huntsville, AL ranks
Where Huntsville, AL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for aerospace and defense jobs555 openings · of 67
- #2Best cities for pay after cost of living in the Southeast$164k · of 33
- #2Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Southeast701 openings · of 65
- #3Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Southeast74 / 100 · of 33
- #6Best cities for aerospace and defense pay after cost of living$151k · of 19
- #12Best all-round cities for AI careers in the Southeast61 / 100 · of 33
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer occupations, all other, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer occupations, all other: 31% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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 BAE Systems’ Precision Strike (PS) Business Area has an immediate opening for an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer for the Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions (PGSS) Product Line specializing in Seeker development programs.
See what you are missing. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics –from GPS devices for munitions and platforms to multi-function seekers that enable detecting threats for precision strike. Drawing strength from our differences, we are innovating for the future. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first – exemplified by our mission: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®.”
Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with us at BAE Systems.
BAE Systems is seeking a Huntsville, AL-based EO/IR Systems Engineer to join a growing team developing cutting-edge capabilities in multimodal/multifunction seekers. You will serve as a technical contributor on our integrated product team in the Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions (PGSS) product line. As a senior-level contributor, you will be responsible for deeply impactful contributions to next generation military autonomy. Members on this development team drive collaborative value creation that is greater than the sum of their individual contributions. You will have the opportunity to participate in efforts across the full-spectrum of technology maturation ranging from Strategic Initiatives, IRAD/CRAD R&D prototypes, EMD units, LRIP units to full rate production systems. You will work with other engineering staff & team leaders to grow our knowledge and capabilities through engineering changes, lessons learned, insights, Agile retrospectives and product/process improvements in EO/IR seeker technology.
The ideal candidate will have a balanced EO/IR Sensor/Seeker experience mix covering two or more of the following: System analysis, design, prototyping, integration, test, and/or verification. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have strengths in image processing and algorithm development, namely for Automatic Target Recognition, Track, and Aim Point Selection requirements.
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 take pride in important work-life balance initiatives including every other Friday Off, Flextime, and Telecommuting. 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.
Because this role will periodically support a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely, pending Supervisor review and approval. Required Education, Experience, & Skills Bachelor's Degree in an applicable field and a minimum of 6 years' related experience
Must hold a Secret clearance and be eligible to obtain Top Secret clearance
Experienced in two or more imaging EO/IR sensor engineering activities to include, but not limited to: modeling, analysis, design, prototyping, integration, test, and/or verification
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Advanced (MS or higher) degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent
Posses strong background in EO/IR phenomenology and relevant sensor technologies
Possess strengths and direct experience in EO/IR sensor image processing, Automatic Target Recognition, Track, and Aim Point Selection
Experience with EO/IR sensor architecture development, requirements derivation, and trade studies
Knowledge of imaging sensor modalities across the EO/IR spectrum
Experience developing and using EO/IR scene generation tools and hardware in the development and test of sensors, in both all-software and hardware-in-the loop environments
Experience in weapons systems design, missile systems design, or weapons systems performance analysis
Digital Engineering, Model Based Systems Engineering (SysML), Model Based Agile Engineering (Value Driven Digital Threads) and Agile Mindset principle, practices & processes and tools & techniques
Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $120874 - $205486
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.