Principal Test Engineer - Kirtland, AFB

Job Description
US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED
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Join the Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory (IRREL) at BAE Systems, Inc. within the Space & Mission Systems (SMS) Sector.
This role involves designing, developing, and implementing test methods for characterizing radiation effects on FPAs for a variety of missions. As a test engineer, you will help plan and coordinate the labor, schedule, and hardware necessary for successful testing campaigns of state-of-the-art electronic devices under radiation environments. This is a challenging, fast-paced job which will be exciting and highly gratifying for the successful candidate.
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:

• Tasks will include schematic capture, component placement, trace routing and documentation, procuring PWB fabrication and assembly, and verifying the final assembly.
• Review electrical interface requirements for upcoming test devices and design the PWBs (printed wiring board) for operating in a cryogenic test Dewar.
• Design and implement thermal/mechanical test fixtures for mounting test devices in cryogenic test Dewars.
• Lead resolution efforts of hardware anomalies root cause and corrective action at board, box, and system levels.
• May make continuous improvement suggestions and participate in initiatives to improve productivity and process efficiency.
• Characterize visible and infrared focal plane arrays in both benign and radiation environments.
• Support experiments, both locally and at offsite locations.
• Support a flexible second and/or third shift and weekend shift schedule to support program test schedules when necessary.
• 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 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 cryogenic test Dewars, vacuum systems, and related equipment.
• Experience with design, analysis, and layout of PCBs.
• Experience with Schematic capture tools - OrCAD preferred.
• Experience with PSPICE/LTSPICE.
• Experience with Visual Basic 6, Visual Studio, and VHDL software.
• Ability to work requirements and flow down for system/subsystem/box/board needs.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, and logic analyzers.
• Exceptional communication skills, solid presentation skills, and ability to work with internal and external customers.
• Effective in multidisciplinary teamwork environment with broad responsibilities and minimal oversight.

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 Altera FPGAs.
• Experience in signal and power integrity of digital/FPGA design.
• Knowledge of visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR detector characterization is a plus.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $105254 - $178931
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 the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. 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.