Engineer Principal – Space Vehicle Propulsion
How this pay compares
This posting states $118k–$201k a year. Open propulsion engineer jobs in Colorado post a median of $143k a year, the middle half $114k–$196k, across 44 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
</br><b>Job Description </b></br><p>The propulsion group at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS) sector is looking for a collaborative, team-centric engineer to join our team. The propulsion group is responsible for the delivery of a wide variety of satellite propulsion systems.
As a member of our group you would be working with a close-knit team, who together would solve challenging and rewarding complex fluid dynamics problems and carrying those concepts through a rigorous assembly, integration and test campaign.
This position offers the opportunity to work in a wide variety of engineering disciplines, gaining a deep understanding of not only propulsion systems, but also the process of delivering reliable and innovative products that provide benefit on a global scale.<br><br>The propulsion group strives to provide ample opportunity for each team member to gain knowledge and experience in all aspects (i.e. analysis, component management, assembly management, test coordination) of the delivery of a spacecraft propulsion system.
That said, at this time the propulsion team is in need of an individual with experience in assembly, integration and test of pressurized fluid systems.<br><br>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.</p><p><br><strong>What You’ll Do:</strong><br> </p><ul><li>Participate in the development of propulsion solutions and architectures, with a focus on coordination and execution of the assembly, integration and test of propulsion systems, including<ul><li>Test procedure generation.</li><li>Test procedure execution.</li><li>Assembly/Integration flow plans.</li><li>Use of appropriate equipment to test and troubleshoot space flight hardware.</li><li>Resource and GSE management</li></ul></li><li>Support propulsion activities during space vehicle launch and commissioning campaigns.</li><li>Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.</li><li>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.</li><li>Perform other duties as necessary.</li></ul> <p><strong>On-Site Work Environment: </strong>This position requires regular in-person engagement by working <strong>on-site five days </strong>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.</p><br><strong>Working Conditions:</strong><br> <ul><li>Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.</li><li>May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.</li><li>May access other facilities in various weather conditions.</li></ul></br></br><b>Required Education, Experience, & Skills </b></br><ul><li>BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 6 or more years related experience. </li><li paraeid="{fbb409ae-2e6f-4a80-b9f4-2ed3b4078f74}{152}" paraid="1195412636">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. </li><li>Ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team with the expectation of being able to perform detailed design, analysis and/or test activities on a regular basis</li><li>Effective in small team-work environment with broad responsibilities and minimal oversight.</li><li>Direct experience in an in-space propulsion system analysis, build, test or support role.</li><li>Knowledge of a wide range of propulsion system types.</li></ul><span style="color:#ffffff;">#LI-MA2</span><p>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. </p></br></br><b>Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills </b></br><ul style="margin-bottom:11px"><li>6 years direct experience with in-space propulsion system analysis, build, test or support role.</li><li>Experience of any kind working with in-space propulsion systems, with an emphasis on a deep understanding of assembly, integration and test of pressurized systems.</li><li>A firm understanding of the procurement process for in-space propulsion systems.</li></ul><br><br><b>Pay Information</b><br>Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762<br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br></br></br><b>About BAE Systems, Inc.</b></br>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.
From BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
Spacecraft, instruments and mission systems from the former Ball Aerospace, now inside BAE Systems.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on BAE Systems's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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