Engineer Senior - Supplier Development - Space Systems Manufacturing

Job Description
Within Integrated Supply Chain, Supplier Development Engineering drives supplier-focused engineering and operational improvement across manufacturing, test, supply chain, and general operations. This role supports both technical problem resolution and broader operational capability development at suppliers, including process definition and control, inventory management, information and material flow, and overall supply chain execution. The position emphasizes root cause analysis, process capability improvement, and sustainable system-level solutions that enable suppliers to consistently deliver high-quality product on schedule.
Scope may range from relatively simple programs to highly complex, technically and operationally unique efforts and may span multiple engineering or technical disciplines based on supplier and program needs. The role may also contribute to the design, development, and execution of collaborative research and development initiatives between BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS) and its suppliers.
The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution - from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.
The Integrated Supply Chain team has a direct impact on program success, acting as a critical chain that links the end-to-end material flow together. Our organization helps propel us forward and achieve true mission partnership.
What You'll Do:

• Employ a disciplined, collaborative approach to problem solving with urgency and a clear understanding of enterprise and program expectations to facilitate supplier development activities that support mission success.
• Use industry-standard tools and methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, AS9100, and risk-based problem solving to analyze, measure, and improve supplier performance and operational capability.
• Conduct on-site supplier development assessments, technical evaluations, and operational improvement activities.
• Partner with suppliers supporting spacecraft structures, RF and microwave hardware, electro-mechanical assemblies, integration & test operations, optical systems, cable and harness assemblies, precision mechanical assemblies, and other mission-critical space hardware to improve manufacturing readiness and execution.
• Support supplier readiness for prototype, qualification, flight, and production hardware builds through process validation, risk reduction, capacity planning, and manufacturing process control.
• Drive resolution of technical and operational issues affecting mission-critical hardware, including yield loss, schedule recovery, material shortages, integration challenges, manufacturing process instability, and test-related failures.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Mission Assurance, Program Management, Manufacturing Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure suppliers are aligned with program technical, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on new process and product development, leading on-site development and implementation activities as necessary.
• Incorporate Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes in coordination with Category Managers, Supplier Quality & Mission Assurance, and cross-functional teams to assess supplier readiness, manufacturing capability, capacity, and specialty process maturity.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM), producibility, and transition-to-production activities with suppliers and internal engineering teams during new product introduction.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing and integration capabilities associated with high-reliability and specialty manufacturing processes including electro-mechanical integration, environmental test operations, RF tuning and test, optical alignment, thermal management implementation, precision assembly operations, and space-qualified manufacturing processes.
• Analyze, recommend, and lead improvement initiatives to improve extended value-stream performance, operational execution, and supplier scalability.
• Develop, maintain, and establish supplier processes, systems, instructions, and facilities that support reliable and compliant manufacturing, integration, and test operations while meeting program, customer, and government requirements.
• Develop and establish methods for suppliers to maintain detailed production plans, manufacturing schedules, resource forecasts, and operational readiness plans in support of program and enterprise-level execution.
• Develop and maintain supplier processes that effectively control company- and supplier-owned material, property, tooling, and assets.
• Compile and prepare technical data, manufacturing information, and engineering documentation to support supplier technical reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, and hardware delivery activities.
• Review drawings, procedures, specifications, engineering orders, and manufacturing documentation for completeness, compatibility, producibility, and correctness.
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary engineering and operations teams on technically complex projects spanning development through production.
• Provide and communicate understanding of both the technical and programmatic aspects of a project to internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• 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 three or more 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 and 4 or more years related experience.
• 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.
• Ability to effectively relate with others and cooperate as a team member.
• Ability to build effective relationships at all levels of the organization, using solid interpersonal organizational and communication skills.

#LI-CC2
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

• Highly desirable candidates will have experience in aerospace, defense, or space manufacturing environments with emphasis in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, supplier development, operations engineering, integration & test engineering, industrial engineering, new product introduction, or supply chain execution supporting high-reliability hardware.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desired:
  • Space systems, spacecraft, or payload manufacturing and integration.
  • Electro-mechanical system integration and test operations.
  • RF and microwave hardware manufacturing, tuning, and test.
  • Environmental test operations including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, ESS, and related qualification activities.
  • Thermal management implementation including heat transfer, thermal interfaces, and space hardware thermal control approaches.
  • Radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened hardware development and manufacturing considerations.
  • Electro-optical or optical-mechanical system manufacturing and alignment.
  • Cable and wire harness manufacturing for aerospace or space applications.
  • EEE components, high-reliability electronics, and mission assurance practices.
  • Precision machining, composites, bonding, coatings, or specialty aerospace manufacturing processes.
  • Low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments supporting prototype through production transition.
  • AS9100, NASA, military, IPC Class 3, or other high-reliability aerospace and space-quality standards and requirements.
  • Manufacturing readiness, production scaling, and operational capability development for mission-critical hardware.
• Experience working with suppliers supporting national security space, civil space, or other mission-critical aerospace applications is preferred.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $97008 - $164914
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.