Looking for an exciting career that utilizes your boundless creativity, technical innovation, and leadership skills? "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®" is our mission, and we're looking for engineers who share our passion in developing first-of-its-kind technologies and equipment to protect our warfighters on all fronts. From our state-of-the-art facility in Huntsville, AL, our Electronic Solutions Hardware Engineering organization welcomes an energetic and motivated Principal Mechanical Engineer.
This role is an ideal position for a proven leader with diverse technical capabilities that has demonstrated "hands-on" mechanical engineering expertise. The selected individual will contribute to the design, development, integration/test, and production of complex systems for military applications. They will work with a multi-discipline team to develop complex products based on IR, RF, and laser technologies. The individual must be a self-starter with development experience working with integrated military electronic hardware and supporting test equipment.
From around the globe, our employees work on the world's most advanced systems - from detecting threats for F-35 pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are developing the technology of tomorrow, delivered today. Drawing strength from our diversity, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our engineers are the staple of our company and we're more than 5,000 strong. With our robust offering of educational and career development opportunities, your chances to grow are limitless. Our work culture provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.
At BAE Systems, our engineers interact with colleagues and peers of various disciplines and backgrounds to arrive at innovative solutions to problems. We encourage collaboration and foster an environment of knowledge sharing and continuous learning. Take the first step towards achieving your career goals with us and apply today!
Typical duties assigned to this position:
- Lead mechanical engineering design, development, integration/test, and production of complex and dynamic military systems
- Generate 3D solid models, drawings, and documentation utilizing GD&T principles
- Perform tolerance analyses to assure fit & function
- Perform thermal, structural/stress, and modal/vibration analyses
- Assess designs against environmental requirements
- Develop prototypes and conduct test and verification efforts
- Support resolution of technical issues discovered during manufacture and test of deliverable hardware
- Evaluate and troubleshoot mechanical faults and issues, assessing test failures for root cause, identifying disposition/corrective actions
- Design test equipment to ensure the performance and integrity of manufactured products
- Participate in requirements development, performing technical trade studies, and evaluating technology insertion/upgrades
- Develop and execute test plans, which includes the integration of test solutions, and provide detailed reports on test results
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ year's experience
- Working knowledge of heat transfer principles, strength of materials, materials selection, design for vibration environments
- Experience in product design and development and related processes
- Experience with mechanical engineering development software tools
- Experience in leadership of small design teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including development of engineering documentation and presentations
- Eligible to obtain a DOD Security Clearance
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Knowledge/experience with opto-mechanical designs & developments
- Knowledge/experience with missile seeker development
- Experience with lasers, optics, and/or related IR technologies
- Knowledge of MIL specs & standards, industry standards including ASTM, SAE, DO
- Experience with the design and manufacture of electronic circuit card assemblies
- ANSYS Workbench/Mechanical, PTC Creo, MATLAB/Simulink, Siemens NX, ANSYS Icepak experience
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles
- Prior use of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing practices
- Active DoD security clearance
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 6 or more years of professional experience
- Working knowledge of heat transfer, strength of materials, materials selection, and vibration-environment design
- Experience in product design and development processes
- Experience with mechanical engineering development software tools
- Experience leading small design teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including engineering documentation and presentations
- Eligible to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance
- Knowledge or experience with opto-mechanical design and development
- Knowledge or experience with missile seeker development
- Experience with lasers, optics, or related infrared technologies
- Knowledge of MIL specifications, ASTM, SAE, and other industry standards
- Experience designing and manufacturing electronic circuit card assemblies
- Experience with ANSYS Workbench or Mechanical, PTC Creo, MATLAB or Simulink, Siemens NX, or ANSYS Icepak
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing principles
- Prior experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing practices
- Active Department of Defense security clearance
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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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.
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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.
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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
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.








