Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer (Design/Analysis)
- Location
- Cedar Rapids, IA, US
- Pay
- $120,874 – $205,486 a year
- Work mode
- On-site
- Level
- Staff / principal
- Experience
- 6+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job function
- Production/Manufacturing › Mechanical Design & Manufacturing › Mechanical Engineer
Posted Nov 10, 2026Last confirmed open Nov 11, 2026
About this role
Job Description
BAE Systems is seeking a Sr 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
Requirements:
- 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
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: $120874 - $205486
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.
Prefer to apply directly?
Apply on BAE Systems USA