Job Description BAE Systems is seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer or recent engineering graduate with strong technical aptitude to support the U.S. Air Force in the acquisition and deployment of the next‑generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), the Sentinel weapon system. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a national‑priority defense program that underpins the nation’s strategic deterrence mission.
As part of a high‑performing team of specialty systems engineers, you will provide technical rigor, independent assessment, and engineering expertise to ensure the weapon system’s requirements, specifications, and design artifacts delivered by the prime contractor meet Air Force expectations. Operating as a trusted technical advisor to the Government customer, you will work closely with USAF civilians, military personnel, program managers, and engineering teams, and interface frequently with the prime contractor, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Evaluate contractor technical products –
- Analyze prime contractor technical documentation, specifications, engineering drawings, interface descriptions, and model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) artifacts to assess technical adequacy, requirements traceability, and design maturity.
- Apply engineering fundamentals to identify risks, design gaps, performance shortfalls, safety concerns, interoperability issues, and noncompliance with system requirements.
- Leverage your engineering discipline - whether mechanical, aerospace, electrical, systems, or related field - to assess design feasibility, evaluate performance margins, interpret engineering data, and understand subsystem behavior.
- Provide clear, data‑driven findings and recommendations to Government leads to support acquisition decisions.
Apply engineering expertise in formal technical reviews and engineering working groups –
- Support requirements reviews, preliminary and critical design reviews by preparing questions, evaluating presented technical data, and documenting observations.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional specialty engineers (e.g., cybersecurity, nuclear surety, reliability, environmental, structures, propulsion, guidance, comms) to support integrated system evaluation.
Provide systems engineering support across program segments –
- Apply systems thinking to evaluate system‑level behavior, interfaces, architecture decisions, requirements decomposition, and subsystem interactions.
- Assist in validating requirements, maintaining traceability, reviewing verification and test plans, and assessing contractor MBSE products for completeness and alignment with the baseline architecture.
- Support risk and opportunity management by identifying technical concerns early, contributing to mitigation strategies, and tracking closure actions.
Develop and present technical analyses and recommendations -
- Create technical reports, briefing materials, position papers, and engineering assessments that communicate complex issues clearly to Air Force customers and leadership.
- Translate technical conclusions into actionable recommendations to inform programmatic decisions and acquisition strategy.
The ideal candidate is collaborative, proactive, adaptable, and eager to develop deep technical understanding within a complex, mission‑critical weapons system program.
This position will operate in an organizational culture that develops and challenges employees to achieve high performance in a fast-paced, high-morale workplace using streamlined management policies and procedures. It is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the development and deployment of the next generation intercontinental ballistic missile, the national security-critical backbone of our nuclear deterrent capability. Required Education, Experience, & Skills Systems engineer – Final grade determined by qualifications and experience
- BS/MS ABET accredited STEM degree.
- 0-2 years experience considered for a junior position. 3 yrs of directly related experience (2 yrs with MS degree).
- Be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Secret clearance
- Knowledge/Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
- Knowledge/Experience with Cameo, DOORS, and/or Rhapsody.
- Knowledge/Experience with ICBM systems
- Experience with DOD acquisition.
- INCOSE ASEP
Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $72150 - $122655
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.