Senior Engineer - AI Data Scientist

Job Description
At BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS), we design and deliver advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that protect national interests and enable mission success. Our teams tackle complex, high-impact challenges using cutting-edge technology, rigorous engineering, and data-driven insight. We are seeking an AI Data Scientist to help shape the next generation of intelligent systems across our Space and Mission Systems Division.
The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution - from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.
What You'll Do:

• Lifecycle Leadership: Adhere to and actively promote the MPA project lifecycle and Data Integration, Reporting/Visualization processes and best practices.
• Project Ownership: Independently lead high-complexity, cross-functional, or ambiguous analytical projects. Demonstrate solid problem decomposition skills to turn vague business needs into concrete technical roadmaps.
• Technical Mentorship: Provide direct technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced analysts and data scientists. Promote best practices in experimentation, modeling, and code quality across the entire team.
• Operational Management: Accurately estimate and budget hours and milestone dates for assigned projects: track and report on hours to ensure alignment with budget and schedule.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain a high standard of delivery where technical errors are minimized and manageable, ensuring stability in tool deployments.
• AI Development: Design, develop, and deploy robust machine-learning algorithms, with a specific focus on Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic frameworks, and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work directly with a wide range of stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into actionable, user-driven technical solutions.
• 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 three or more 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 4 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.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Solid Data Science background in Machine Learning (ML), statistical methods, and data modeling techniques.
• Experience designing AI-driven applications using API-accessible LLMs (agent workflows, tool design, RAG).
• Solid understanding of prompt/context engineering and system design for agent-like architectures and evaluation techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of modern LLM capabilities, limitations, and failure modes.
• Experience with embeddings, vector databases, and retrieval systems.
• Experience with AI workflow platforms (Dataiku, Stack AI, Open WebUI).

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Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $97008 - $164914
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, Inc.
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.