Engineer Principal - Systems - Sensor Model Development

Location: Fairborn, Ohio

Job Description

BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems is seeking a highly skilled Machine Learning (ML) Subject Matter Expert to join our team. As an ML expert, you will work closely with our customer to implement and assess the scientific validity, robustness, and transparency of ML systems. Your expertise will be crucial in analyzing various ML systems and scientifically validating the claims made by proposed solutions. In addition to ML expertise, your skills in MBSE, software development, and/or areas such as Automated Target Recognition (ATR), Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models will allow you to contribute to a wide range of efforts at BAE Systems, Inc.

At BAE Systems, you will join teams tackling a diverse array of complex challenges. As AI/ML technologies become pervasive across our product lines, your expertise will be a critical asset in shaping the future of defense. Our portfolio offers immense opportunities for professional growth and the chance to apply your skills in exciting, challenging environments. As leaders at the forefront of technology, your creativity and critical thinking are the catalysts that turn these challenges into breakthroughs. We value those who can navigate the unknown and develop innovative solutions for problems that have never been solved before.

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:

• As a Principal Engineer, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and mission-critical application. You will be responsible for:
• Technical Execution & Validation:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in machine learning
  • Analyze various ML systems and scientifically validate the claims made by proposed solutions
  • Evaluate the performance, robustness, and generalization of ML models, with emphasis on the following areas:
  • Identify weaknesses and flaws in processes and provide recommendations for improvement
  • Collaborate with the team to review raw and cleaned datasets used for model development
  • Perform code reviews for logical correctness, data leakage, syntax problems, and other issues
  • Confirm that reported results can be reproduced using provided data and code
  • Evaluate the effects of noise, missing data, and distributional shifts on model performance
  • Identify overfitting indicators and document limitations and boundary conditions
  • Provide technical writing of documentation and progress reports
• Strategic Influence & Growth:
  • Drive Product Innovation: Provide suggestions for the technical roadmap for next-generation product features, transforming emerging AI/ML trends into tangible capabilities.
  • Mentor & Elevate: Guide and coach junior engineers and data scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
  • Capture New Business: Partner with business development teams to provide subject matter expertise during the proposal process, helping us win new initiatives.
  • Advance Internal R&D: Participate in internal research and development projects to maintain BAE Systems' competitive edge in the defense landscape.
• 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 related degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of related 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.
• A current, active Top Secret security clearance is required with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to nitpick and stress test potential concerns with software.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in machine learning, with a focus on model development, evaluation, and validation.
• Ability to quickly learn and understand various software libraries and technologies.
• Proficiency in Python, with experience using libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
• Basic understanding of API usage, Docker, and Git.
• Understanding of ML system evaluation, including data pipelines, feature extraction, and model architectures.

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Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in applying AI/ML techniques to defense-related research and development.
• Active DoD TS/SCI.
• Skills in some of the following: MBSE, Software Development, Natural Language Processing, Automated Target Recognition (ATR), Large Language Models, Image Processing, Computer Vision, Remote Sensing, Data Curation, Data Analytics, Electro-Optics/Infra-Red (EO/IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Applied Mathematics, Statistical Analysis.

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 Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

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.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

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TS/SCI