Mechanical Engineer I – Payloads

Boulder, CO · Broomfield, CO · Westminster, COFull-time$64.9k–$110kPosted Jul 16, 2026

Job Description

At BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS), we believe that career growth stems from curiosity coupled with opportunity. As a member of the mechanical department, you'll be able to grow and hone your opto-mech and payload design skills while supporting multiple business units to provide world-class products to our customers.

We are looking for a mechanical engineer to support our payloads area through focal plane packaging design, drawing creation and build support for space and/or tactical payload systems. Additional future responsibilities could include opto-mech component and payload lay-out design. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a cross-functional team on a variety of designs that range from low-cost to exquisite solutions in order to meet program mission requirements.

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.


What You’ll Do:
  • Support the design effort for focal plane packages from proposal phase through award, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, test, requirement verification, and sustaining engineering.
  • Work in CAD on focal plane packaging, cable routing, and mounting of the detectors with optical instruments
  • Opportunity to work on the design and CAD of optical payload structure and components including benches, optical elements and mounts, light baffles, etc.
  • Drawing creation and PLM release of detector packaging, optical payload structure, and payload component designs
  • Maintain awareness of cost and schedule planning and tracking as well as utilizing robust engineering change processes including risk and opportunity management
  • Support cross-functional analyses (STOP and other related analysis efforts) over the full development lifecycle
  • Coordinate with personnel form all other payload sub-systems and spacecraft structure, including technicians, external customers, consultants and subsystem providers
  • Collaboration with systems engineering and program leadership.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.


On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.


Working Conditions:
  • 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.


Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree 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 which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • Experience with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.
  • Solid presentation skills.
  • Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
#LI-MT1

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 Education, Experience, & Skills
  • BS degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Experience with GD&T, detectors, focal plane assemblies, composites, opto-mechanics, or optical payloads.


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $64926 - $110374

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 Space & Mission 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.

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. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

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.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

Want jobs like this matched to you?

Swoopd scores fresh postings against your résumé so you only see the matches that matter.

Get started free