Job Summary:
BAE Systems is seeking a mechanical engineering section leader to join our Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Capability Group (CG). This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
As a section lead and technical manager, you will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, and leading the development of subject matter experts. You will optimize resources, advance the state-of-the-art in EO/IR hardware development, and ensure the mechanical engineering group's capabilities align with product line and business area roadmaps. Your leadership will have a direct impact on the success of both our EO/IR Capability Group and our Electronic Systems (ES) business areas.
This role is a dual role where your responsibilities will be as a team manager of engineers and as an individual contributor. This managed balance enables you to work on programs as a technical contributor/leader and manage your mechanical engineering team.
Roles and Responsibilities (Section/People Manager):
You will manage a team of engineers that will report to you. You will report directly to the director of the EO/IR Capability Group, who will be your guide and mentor. As a section manager of mechanical and opto-mechanical engineers, you will have the following responsibilities:
- Help to shape the future of mechanical and opto-mechanical engineering to optimize performance
- Recruit, retain, train, recognize and develop mechanical and opto-mechanical engineers to achieve their highest potential in alignment with the business needs
- Assign team members as appropriate to programs, IRADs and proposals
- Develop individual and group goals and objectives
- Communicate flow-down company, business area and discipline information
- Mentor careers by development of career and training plans
- Ensure team members adhere to BAE Systems' cultural principals, policies, and vision
- Ensure the established Development Process is implemented successfully
- Work with other Discipline Section Leads to determine program staffing needs and "right person/right job"
Roles and Responsibilities (Technical contributor):
As an individual contributor, you will be assigned to work on one or more programs applying your engineering skills to the entire product lifecycle of a program. Examples of roles that you could have are product capture and proposals, product design, conducting and leading design reviews, verification or integration, trade studies, and/or product build support in our factories. This part of the role will enable you to engage in developing our EO/IR technology, products, and solutions. There will be opportunities to use your existing skills and develop new ones as we work to extend your career path in alignment with your goals and the company needs.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor's Degree or advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, or related discipline; with a minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mechanical, opto-mechanical, and EO/IR systems, leadership, and strategic management.
- Experience developing DoD systems
- Technical team leadership
- Strong skill in people management
- Strong skill in collaboration within engineering and across the disciplines
- Able to lead a team
- Able to adapt to changes effectively
- Able to obtain DoD Secret security clearance.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Active DoD Secret security clearance.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
- Minimum of 12 years progressive experience in mechanical, opto-mechanical, and EO/IR systems, leadership, and strategic management
- Experience developing DoD systems
- Technical team leadership experience
- Strong people management skills
- Strong collaboration skills within engineering and across disciplines
- Ability to lead a team
- Ability to adapt to changes effectively
- Able to obtain DoD Secret security clearance
- Active DoD Secret security clearance
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is presented as comprehensive, combining medical, dental, vision, HSAs/FSAs, and mental‑health resources with a no‑cost EAP. Wellness programs and protections like life, AD&D, disability, and travel assistance broaden the offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement is supported through a 401(k) with automatic enrollment and annual escalation, with employer matching available in certain business units. Financial‑wellness tools and access to advisors further support long‑term planning.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time away options include paid parental leave (commonly 160 hours for full‑time), holidays, PTO, bereavement, military leave, and other leave programs. Many groups also use a 9/80 schedule that provides every other Friday off where available.
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
BAE Systems, Inc. Offices
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.

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