Engineer Principal - Spacecraft Mechanical Design

Posted 5 Days Ago
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Boulder, CO, USA
Hybrid
118K-201K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Leads mechanical design for spacecraft and spacecraft buses from proposal through fabrication, assembly, testing, and verification. Defines mechanical requirements, develops structures and mechanism architectures, performs CAD and structural analysis, and leads cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams. Coordinates with customers, payload providers, launch vehicle providers, and subsystem teams while resolving technical issues, mentoring engineers, and supporting technology roadmaps.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
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:
  • Lead the mechanical effort for new spacecraft and spacecraft bus in the unclassified and classified environment from proposal phase through award, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, test, and requirement verification.
  • Define, maintain, iterate, and verify the mechanical requirements that are needed to meet the system and other subsystem requirements and interfaces.
  • Generate, iterate, maintain, and release the spacecraft configuration, primary/secondary structure design, and mechanism architecture that meet system and subsystem requirements.
  • Working on CAD and doing simple hand structural analysis calculations during proposal and program initial startup.
  • Transition to leading team of 5-10 design and analysis engineers with majority of time spent leading the team and communicating with the internal and external customers.
  • Transition to leading team of 5-40 design, analysis, test, and manufacturing engineering responsible for fabrication, assembly, and test with majority of time spent leading the team with the ability to lead and resolve complex technical issues as they crop up.
  • Coordination required with personnel from all other spacecraft sub-systems including external interfaces such as customers, customer consultants, payload providers and launch vehicle providers.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Support Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Actively mentor junior engineers.
  • Partners with Leadership to evolve the department, and enhance capabilities/technology roadmaps.
  • 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 in spacecraft, aerospace instrument, structure, mechanism, sensor, and/or rotating machinery design.
  • Experience using CAD software.
  • Demonstrated creativity in mechanical engineering design.
  • Demonstrated design analysis capability.
  • Demonstrated Technical Leadership and Program Acumen: Leads cross-functional teams through all phases of the program lifecycle, exercising strong engineering judgement and critical thinking to balance technical, schedule, and cost priorities, while providing effective risk-based decisions to drive program success.
  • Prior participation in written and/or oral proposal activities for civil and/or military customers.
#LI-MT1
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
  • SolidWorks proficiency (or equivalent CAD software).

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
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 a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related technical field
  • At least 6 years of related experience, with qualifying advanced degrees potentially substituting for experience
  • Experience designing spacecraft, aerospace instruments, structures, mechanisms, sensors, or rotating machinery
  • Experience using CAD software
  • Demonstrated creativity in mechanical engineering design
  • Demonstrated design analysis capability
  • Technical leadership and program acumen, including leading cross-functional teams through the program lifecycle
  • Participation in written or oral proposal activities for civil or military customers
  • SolidWorks proficiency or equivalent CAD software

What the Team is Saying

BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support — Retirement benefits stand out with a 401(k) savings plan and company matching, emphasizing long-term financial security. This area is consistently positioned as one of the stronger components of the package.
  • Parental & Family Support — Family programs are notably broad, including paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, dependent‑care accounts, and child‑ and elder‑care resources. In the U.S., up to 10 subsidized days of backup care per year further support caregivers.
  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage spans medical, dental, and vision options alongside HSAs/FSAs, mental‑health support, and an Employee Assistance Program. The breadth of offerings provides solid baseline protection across common healthcare needs.

BAE Systems, Inc. Insights

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The Company
HQ: Falls Church, VA
40,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1999

What We Do

Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.

Why Work With Us

We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.

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Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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