Demo

Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Austin, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 5/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/29/2026

Job Description
BAE Systems is seeking a proactive Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer with analytical capabilities and demonstrated technical expertise. This individual will provide leadership and support to the design, development, integration/test, and production of dynamic optomechanical military systems. The engineer will work closely with hardware integrated into a variety of complex IR technology products including lasers, receivers, sensors, as well as multi-axis beam directors/gimbals. The individual must be a self-starter and is desired to have development experience working with integrated military electronic hardware and related test equipment.

The selected candidate will execute both individually and in small to large team environments through all phases of the product life cycle. This includes concept development, detail design, qualification, manufacturing transition, and production support. The engineer will be responsible for developing innovative and robust hardware solutions to meet demanding customer requirements, and will leverage their mechanical engineering expertise to perform detailed design and analyses. Day to day, activities may include working with 3D solid models, drawings, and documentation utilizing GD&T principles; performing analyses to assure fit & function; performing thermal, structural/stress, and vibration analyses; assessing designs against environmental requirements; as well as conducting test and verification efforts.


With a product focus, the individual will actively partner with other engineering disciplines and operations personnel to develop solutions that adhere to UPC, DFT, and DFM requirements. Additionally, the engineer will support resolution of technical issues that are discovered during manufacture and test of deliverable hardware. This may include evaluating and troubleshooting mechanical faults and issues, assessing test failures for root cause, identifying disposition/corrective actions, as well as designing test equipment to ensure the performance and integrity of manufactured products.

This engineering role will provide rewarding challenges and exposure to experiences including:
  • Design and development of IR technology hardware and systems
  • Optomechanical design & analysis
  • Design and development of motion systems including motors, encoders, bearings, seals
  • Product/Factory Support of DoD military electronics/avionics equipment
  • State-of-the-art mechanical engineering design and development tools
  • Design and analysis of multilayer CCAs
  • Prototype & test activities utilizing a fully equipped environmental test facility
  • “Hands-on” laboratory experience with instrumentation, equipment, and processes
The ideal candidate will thrive in a learning environment that encourages leadership, technical, and career growth.
Because this role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a Hybrid Work Format, with time split between working onsite and remotely.

#CEMAEngineering


Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Requires:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and 10 years’ experience (8 with a masters degree)
  • Demonstrated experience in Product development and support of DoD military electronics equipment
  • Leadership of HW engineering teams in the design & development of military systems
  • Working experience with lasers, receivers, fiber optics, and/or related IR technologies
  • Solid fundamentals of mechanical design, analysis, and documentation principles
  • Experience with state-of-the-art mechanical engineering development software tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including development of engineering documentation and presentations
  • Motivated self-starter and problem solver with proven experience executing in multi-disciplinary teams
  • Strong computer skills in basic MS office and technical programs
  • Knowledge of engineering development processes
  • Eligible to obtain a DOD Security Clearance


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred:
  • Knowledge/experience with optomechanical designs & developments
  • Knowledge of MIL specs & standards, industry standards including ASTM, SAE, DO
  • Experience in the design/development of active motion controlled hardware
  • Experience in the design and manufacture of electronic circuit card assemblies
  • ANSYS Workbench/Mechanical, PTC Creo, MATLAB/Simulink, Siemens NX, ANSYS Icepak
  • Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $140690 - $239140

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 the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

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.

Salary : $140,690 - $239,140

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