Software Engineer Principal – Internal Tools

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

Category: Engineering & Technology

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Description

Because this role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely.

You don’t see it, but it’s there. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics – from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you’ll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry’s most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first – exemplified by our missions: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®” and “We Innovate For Those Who Move The WorldTM.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

Job Description:
Like to be creative and explore new technology platforms? Have an eye for efficiency and enjoy tackling unique problems? The Internal Tools team is a multi-skilled development team looking for a talented software engineer to aid our business objectives. This role will expose you to multiple technology platforms and solution spaces while collaborating across several departmental teams. Be ready to create, innovate and be an active member of our team.
What you’ll do:
In this position, you’ll be an active member of the Internal Tools team and work on projects that colleagues across the business benefit from. Be expected to:

• Build & Innovate: Architect, develop, and deploy new software solutions on diverse tech platforms.
• Automate & Optimize: Craft custom scripts and integrations to streamline our existing systems and free up our team to focus on higher-value work.
• Be the Voice of the Customer: Translate customer needs into clear technical requirements for new products.
• Champion Quality: Participate in code reviews and Change Control Boards, ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of our products.
• Drive Efficiency: Proactively identify opportunities to improve our team’s workflows and leverage new technologies to boost productivity.
• Provide Expert Support: Offer technical support for existing products, helping our team and our colleagues succeed.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Strong Communication Skills: You can clearly explain technical ideas and collaborate effectively with team members and customers.
• Organization and Drive: You're able to manage your own time and projects effectively, taking ownership and seeing things through to completion.
• A Growth Mindset: You're enthusiastic about learning new technologies and ways of building things. You love a challenge!
• Teamwork & Flexibility: You thrive in a collaborative environment and are adaptable to changing priorities.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related discipline and minimum 6 years of work experience
• Knowledgeable in the Software Development Life Cycle and related tools
• Proficient in the Python language
• Experience with AI agentic coding and implementing Large Language Models
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative skills that translate to working software

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with Django development framework
• Experience with full-stack development, postgreSQL, and CSS
• Experience with script development, bash, PowerShell, or Visual Basic
• Experience with SmartBear Collaborator or other review software
• Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo)
• Experience with source code control tools such as SVN and git
• Experience building & using CI/CD automation pipelines (Jenkins, Bamboo, others)
• Experience developing in Linux Operating System
• Has an active security clearance

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 Electronic 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. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

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.