Principal Embedded Software Engineer – APKWS

Do you want to write software that truly matters? Do you want to play a direct role in bringing America’s warfighters home safely? Do you want to apply your technical mastery to a cause greater than yourself? If so, we need to talk.

In Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions (PS), we design, develop, and manufacture state-of-the-art systems that enable our customers to execute their missions. We are the industry leaders in seeker, guidance, and control technologies for precision munitions.

We are seeking a highly skilled

Principal Embedded Software Engineer to drive the development of new capabilities for the

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System). This isn't just about writing code in a vacuum; you will be designing software for low-power, single-board computers that will be deployed in high-volume production. You will bridge the gap between cutting-edge development and scalable manufacturing, ensuring that the next generation of laser-guided capabilities is lean, efficient, and mission-ready.

Your Impact

• Embedded Development: Design and implement high-performance, low-power software using C/C++ specifically for single-board computers.
• Capability Expansion: Lead the development of new features and enhancements for the APKWS program, pushing the boundaries of what these systems can achieve.
• Design for Scale: Architect your software with high-volume production in mind, ensuring that your designs are stable, maintainable, and ready for the manufacturing floor.
• Hardware Integration: Work closely with hardware constraints to optimize power consumption and processing efficiency, ensuring maximum reliability in the field.

Note: This role involves a combination of independent development and collaborative hardware integration, because of this work will take a Hybrid work format. Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of 6 years of professional experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Deep technical proficiency and a strong background in C/C++.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Deep understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded kernels.
• Experience with hardware-software co-design and low-level driver development.
• Experience working with low-power architectures and single-board computers (SBCs).

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 Electronic Systems 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.