Senior Principal Engineer Payload RF Technical Lead at BAE Systems
Broomfield, CO
$132,962–$226,035from the description
Aug 10, 2026
Broomfield, CO
Sep 24, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
This is a senior hands-on engineering role at BAE Systems focused on designing and leading the development of wideband digital RF receiver and processor systems for space-based payloads. The engineer will own box- and board-level RF payload designs, manage subcontractors, and advance technologies such as ultrawideband ADCs, direct-sampling and heterodyne receivers, ASICs, and AI/ML signal processing. The role suits an experienced RF/digital receiver engineer with an active TS/SCI clearance who can operate as a technical subject matter expert.
Senior level · 8+ years · Bachelor's required · TS/SCI clearance · Full-time
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (6)
The job title in the posting footer reads 'Senior Principal Engineer Payload RF Technical Lead', which could suggest a Staff/Principal level; however, the body of the posting frames this as a 'senior digital receiver engineer' and the requirements (8+ years, BS+) are consistent with a Senior band. Seniority is assessed as Senior.
The posting notes that a Master's or Ph.D. may substitute for up to two years of experience, and that related technical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree; however, a BS or higher is explicitly stated as required, so degree requirement is set to Bachelors.
Technologies listed under 'Use and advance technologies' (ultrawideband ADCs, AI/ML signal processing, ASICs, direct-sampling receivers, heterodyne receivers, HF to MM-Wave receivers) appear in a narrative/responsibilities section rather than a formal requirements block, so they are marked as preferred rather than hard gates.
Digital receiver development experience and RF signal chain/phased array knowledge are explicitly called out in the 'Required Education, Experience, & Skills' section and are marked as required.
Ignored 4 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): digital receiver design, RF signal chain design, subcontract management, AI/ML signal processing.
Requires a TS/SCI clearance — the cleared population is a small fraction of this occupation, so the real candidate pool is materially smaller than the estimate below, which does not model clearance.
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