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BAE Systems USA· Spotted 5h ago

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.

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