BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead a team of mechanical engineers and to be a subject matter expert in designing and developing innovative mechanical solutions for dynamic electronic military systems.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical engineering, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a proven track record of driving technical innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of mechanical engineers in designing, developing, and integrating complex countermeasure and electromagnetic attack solutions
- Be a Mechanical Engineer on key business pursuits helping to define requirements that meet the needs of the customer
- Develop robust hardware solutions to meet demanding customer requirements
- Mentor and develop team members' skills to advance into technical leadership roles
- Perform / assess detailed design and analyses, including thermal and structural analyses
- Generate / assess 3D solid models, utilize GD&T principles, and perform tolerance analyses to ensure fit and function
- Generate/ assess designs against environmental requirements and generate prototypes for test and verification efforts
- Strong background in mechanical engineering with expertise in design and analysis
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Experience working with integrated military electronic hardware and related test equipment
- Ability to work individually and in small team environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute complex projects
Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires US citizenship.
Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full-time on site.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 6+ years' experience in mechanical engineering
Technical Skills
- Strong background in mechanical engineering with expertise in design and analysis
- Solid fundamentals of mechanical design, analysis, and documentation principles
- Experience with state-of-the-art mechanical engineering development software tools (ANSYS Workbench/Mechanical, PTC Creo, MATLAB, etc)
Security Clearance
- Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Knowledge/experience with manufacturing, production, and sustainment of mechanical systems and hardware
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles
Soft Skills
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work individually and in team environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute complex projects
- Motivated self-starter and problem solver with proven experience executing in multi-disciplinary teams
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $115779 - $196825
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 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 in Mechanical Engineering
- 6+ years' experience in mechanical engineering
- U.S. citizenship (required by government contract)
- Must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance
- Experience with integrated military electronic hardware and related test equipment
- Expertise in mechanical design and analysis including thermal and structural analysis
- Experience generating and assessing 3D solid models and applying GD&T and tolerance analysis
- Experience with ANSYS Workbench/Mechanical
- Experience with PTC Creo
- Experience with MATLAB
- Strong leadership, written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work onsite full-time and collaborate in-person
- Knowledge/experience with manufacturing, production, and sustainment of mechanical systems and hardware
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles
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
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.








