Principal Engineer

Job Description
How does it feel to work on a team driven to make a big impact? Empowering.
BAE Systems is hiring for a Principal Engineer to support primarily at its Norfolk, Virginia site. The position will occasionally provide support in San Diego, CA, and Jacksonville, FL. In this role, you will be responsible for marine engineering and technical tasks to support maintenance, repair, and overhaul work of US Navy surface combatants and commercially classed ships. Your work will include technical oversight and support of production, planning, and maintenance activities as well as design of technical solutions to support yard activities. You will interpret design specifications to define scopes of work, act as technical liaison with ship owners and government engineers, and provide guidance to various production trades.
The position requires a high degree of technical competence regarding the broad application of marine / mechanical / manufacturing engineering principles to the development of solutions for the customers' challenging repair and modernization availabilities.
You will perform many of the following engineering functions:

• Work with a multi-faceted team of Ship Superintendents, Project Managers, Craft Supervisors, and Quality Management personnel to perform marine and project engineering.
• Identify proper specifications, codes, and technical documentation; generate accurate and concise technical reports for communication to the customer and BAE management team and trade supervision.
• Survey specific shipboard modernization or repair alterations as assigned; provide documentation as to process and progress, and provide an overview of production issues and recommendations for resolution.
• Maintain and apply familiarity with various shipboard auxiliary and mechanical systems.
• Perform structural analysis on ship's scantlings, develop section modulus calculations, design temporary bracing, equipment foundations, and analyze weldment design.
• Perform equipment alignments and determine existing spatial relationships utilizing traditional measurement devices and laser range finding equipment.
• Utilize ship's curves of form and hydrostatics to analyze and predict changes in ship's trim, list, and stability conditions based on liquid load and deadweight changes. Monitor ship's stability over the course of a complex overhaul availability. Analyze ballasting, de-ballasting, and defueling scenarios. Prepare ship's condition for docking and undocking evolutions. Perform weight and moment calculations.
• Model rigging arrangements, calculate sling tensions, design and analyze lifting lugs and appliances.
• Generate ship specific mooring plans for heavy weather and develop ship maneuvering boards and hydrographic overlays for ship's entry and departure from the plant.
• Develop blocking arrangements in support of drydocking evolutions; prepare associated block and drydock loading calculations.
• Provide Facilities engineering support for the physical plant and the yard.
• Analyze various technical issues as they arise and provide sound technical guidance and recommendations to shops, Superintendents, and Program Managers as required.
• Ensure that work is performed in accordance with plans, specifications, and good marine practice.
• Consider safety in all aspects of work and design.
• Assist with combat systems weapons foundation installation through the use of proper alignment techniques.
• Support the development of and monitor the progress of new construction fabrication efforts.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and/or Naval Architecture from an accredited university and six years related experience to include shipboard work in design, system integration, and problem solving, or the overall equivalent.
• Possess clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a proven track record of working in a team environment with a high level of attention to detail.
• Capable of meeting required deadlines while simultaneously managing multiple tasks.
• Proficient in developing and maintaining expertise in CAD software for efficient production of engineering work (AutoDesk Suite Products including AutoCAD / SolidWorks and Inventor or equivalents).
• Skilled at interfacing with production trades, program management, and customer representatives, including government Project Support Engineers, Maintenance Activity Engineering, and Ship's force.
• Familiarity with shipboard systems, equipment, and structure.
• Physically able to access ships, ship compartments, and decks via gangways and ladders, including all spaces onboard vessels and within BAE Systems facilities.
• Competent in reading and interpreting mechanical, structural, and piping drawings and fabrication details.
• Capable of creating required engineering documentation using Microsoft Office Suite products including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and Access.
• Open to infrequent travel, particularly to support other shipyards.
• Must be independently motivated and driven to work with limited supervision.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Mechanical engineer

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, 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.