Job Description

The Software and Ground Solutions group at BAE Systems Inc Space and Mission Systems is looking to expand our team with a talented and energetic Software Engineer with deep experience in building, customizing, and maintaining embedded Linux distributions, with a strong emphasis on Yocto Project–based systems. This role focuses on creating reliable, reproducible Linux platforms for resource-constrained devices, working close to the hardware while collaborating across firmware, hardware, and application teams.

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:

• Design, build, and maintain custom embedded Linux distributions using the Yocto Project.
• Develop and maintain BitBake recipes, layers, and configuration files.
• Customize bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and Linux kernels for embedded hardware.
• Integrate BSPs, device trees, and hardware drivers into Yocto-based builds.
• Debug system bring-up issues across bootloader, kernel, and user space.
• Optimize system performance, boot time, storage footprint, and reliability.
• Manage package selection, licensing compliance, and build reproducibility.
• Support CI/CD pipelines for automated image builds and testing.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and application engineers to define system requirements.
• Document build processes, system architecture, and maintenance procedures.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment with both internal and external customers to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• 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 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 2 or more years related experience
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., master’s degree and/or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. 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 Secret security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.
• Solid proficiency in Linux system internals and embedded Linux development.
• Hands-on experience with the Yocto Project and OpenEmbedded.
• Solid understanding of BitBake, recipes, layers, and image customization.
• Experience building and configuring Linux kernels and bootloaders.
• Familiarity with cross-compilation toolchains and embedded build systems.
• Experience debugging low-level issues using logs, JTAG, serial consoles, or similar tools.
• Comfortable working in Git-based version control environments.

#LI-AP1

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Proficiency in C/C++ and shell scripting; Python experience is a plus.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $79365 - $134921

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.