Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the role

This role supports the mechanical design of optical instruments and laser systems in space and tactical environments. As a mechanical design engineer, you’ll work in cross-disciplined teams of various sizes to deliver solutions our customers rely on. The opportunities for this position include working on new designs through sustaining engineering within the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit—a collaborative, cross-functional team committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning, and strong execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design effort for optical instruments used in space and tactical environments from the proposal phase through award, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, test, and requirement verification.
• Develop the mechanical architecture that meets mission requirements for optical instruments including bench design, optics mounting concepts, and sub-system layout.
• Support Internal Research and Development work on the design of optical and laser systems.
• Support subcontract management for optics and optical assemblies.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to create hardware designs streamlined for manufacturing, assembly, and integration for multi-build and low-rate production contracts.
• Optimize designs to meet cost and schedule as well as manage efforts through robust engineering change processes including risk and opportunity management.
• Define, maintain, iterate, and verify the opto-mechanical and optical payload requirements needed to meet system and subsystem requirements and interfaces.
• Work on CAD and support cross-functional analyses (STOP and other related analyses) over the full development lifecycle.
• Mentor less experienced engineers on design approaches and fundamentals.
• Coordinate with personnel from all other subsystems, including external interfaces such as customers, customer consultants, subsystem providers, and vehicle providers.
• Collaborate with systems engineering and program management.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the Company.
• Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Work Environment

• On-site work requiring regular in-person engagement five days each normally scheduled week at the primary work location.
• Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
• 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.

Requirements

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years of related experience. Each higher-level degree (Master’s 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 accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education or US Department of Education.
• Experience with optomechanical engineering through the design of precision mounts and supporting structure.
• Proficient in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.
• Proficient in GD&T, drawing generation, design for manufacturability, and assembly.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment making sound technical decisions based on experience and engineering judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• 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 Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering degree.
• Experience with composites.
• Background with laser systems.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $132,962 – $226,035. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal plan.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave including paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Employee recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About the Company

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace, and security company delivering products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. The team continually pioneers ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities.