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:
- Thermal design and analysis of spacecraft and/or precision aerospace electro-mechanical, and/or opto-mechanical flight hardware systems, cryo systems, antenna communication systems, tactical systems, components and/or ground support equipment from concept through detail design and testing.
- Computation of heat transfer coefficients, temperature and heat flow calculations; steady state and transient.
- Develop thermal loads and environments for hardware (spacecraft, instruments, etc.).
- Support thermal environmental testing (in air and/or vacuum).
- Write detailed reports for test and analysis activities.
- Review drawings, procedures and engineering orders for completeness, compatibility, producibility, and correctness.
- Ability to provide and communicate the technical and programmatic aspects of a project to the team and potentially the customer.
- Promote development of a team by participation in key aspects of a project.
- Maintain and update required records and reports.
- 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 4 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. 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.
- Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance with a favorable Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
- Ability to work effectively with customer counterparts.
- Working knowledge of thermal, radiation, and convection.
- Understanding of thermal math modeling using Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Mechanical, CFD, and SINDA software tools.
- Working knowledge and experience using the CAD software Solid Works or similar software platform.
- Experience in spacecraft and/or precision aerospace electro-mechanical, and/or opto-mechanical flight hardware systems, cryogenics systems, antenna communication systems, tactical video systems, components and/or ground support equipment thermal design.
- Demonstrated creativity in thermal engineering design and analysis.
- Knowledge of thermal processes and materials usage.
- Solid communication skills.
- Working knowledge of cost and schedule as it applies to Thermal Engineering.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment.
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
- BS degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering is preferred, with emphasis in Fluids and Heat Transfer.
- 8 or more years' experience preferred.
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 Space & Mission Systems
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
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or related technical field plus 4+ years related experience (advanced degrees may substitute experience)
- Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance with favorable Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
- Willingness and ability to work on-site five days per week at primary work location
- Working knowledge of thermal, radiation, and convection principles
- Experience with thermal math modeling using Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Mechanical, CFD, and SINDA
- Working knowledge and experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks
- Experience in spacecraft and/or precision aerospace electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical thermal design, including cryogenics and antenna/communication systems
- Ability to support thermal environmental testing (air and/or vacuum) and write detailed test/analysis reports
- Demonstrated creativity in thermal engineering design and analysis; knowledge of thermal processes and materials usage
- Solid verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively with customer counterparts
- Working knowledge of cost and schedule as it applies to Thermal Engineering; ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
- BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering preferred (emphasis in Fluids and Heat Transfer); 8+ years experience preferred
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
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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BAE Systems, Inc. Teams
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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.








