Principal Mechanical Engineer

Position Overview

BAE Systems, one of the world’s largest defense contractors, is seeking a well-rounded Mechanical Engineer to conceptualize, execute, and commission modernization and new construction projects at Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN. In this role, you will support the Ordnance Systems, Inc. (OSI) Business with a hybrid work approach (9/80 schedule with every other Friday off) that balances on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multi-discipline engineering team to perform plant and project engineering, including material selection, specification writing, mechanical drawing preparation, cost control, and schedule management.
• Conduct mechanical engineering analyses for systems such as steam, hydraulic, pumping/piping, HVAC, process cooling/heating, storage tanks, and vessels.
• Inspect existing facilities—including buildings, equipment, and pipelines—to assess integrity and safety, recommending necessary modifications.
• Develop plans and schedules for the construction phase, ensuring that materials, equipment, and personnel are in place to meet project timelines.
• Review and approve design packages from equipment suppliers and design firms, create detailed project proposals, scopes of work and estimates, and execute commissioning plans while maintaining thorough documentation.
• Integrate safety considerations in all project aspects to ensure compliance with regulations and best construction practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related field) from an accredited university.
• Typically 6+ years of experience in design, construction, and commissioning projects.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and 3D design/modeling tools.
• Experience in at least two areas such as Pipe Stress Analysis; Tank and Vessel Design/Fabrication; Machine Design; Pumps/Piping System Design; or execution of commissioning plans and documentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to create scopes of work and estimates.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project) with an ability to collaborate effectively with site operations and maintenance teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the design and construction of chemical manufacturing facilities involving acids, bases, and solvents for energetic materials.
• Professional Engineering License.
• Expertise in Pipe Stress Analysis using Caesar II.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Piping Isometric Drawing reviews to P&IDs.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Full-Time Salary Range: $96,623 - $164,259. Actual salary is determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, and local market conditions.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability, life, and accident coverage.
• Additional perks include an employee assistance program, legal plan, discounts on various types of insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and other leave programs (including parental, military, and bereavement leave).
• Opportunities for both monetary and non-monetary recognition awards, with additional incentives based on position level and job specifics.