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BAE Systems has filed 2 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 174 workers, most recently March 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

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About the job

Job Description BAE Systems, a leading defense contractor and Fortune 500 Company, is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Machining to join our Naval weapon systems team in Louisville, Kentucky. At BAE Systems, we value our workforce and their well-being. We prioritize safety, offer generous benefits, and promote work life balance, like a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Our ideal candidate will challenge our current operations and focus on improving all facets of our machining processes across the site. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Machining will be one of the leaders in machining innovation across the Production Value Stream and will be at the forefront of problem solving and resolution to technical production barriers. He/She will be responsible for ensuring technical compliance to manufacturing processes, policies, and procedures while providing innovative solutions to our cross-functional teams to improve customer delivery, cost and schedule.

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Machining, you will…

Provide strategic technical direction and guidance on complex projects, influencing technical decisions and ensuring alignment with business goals

Work with cross-functional teams, including design, quality, and production, to ensure seamless integration of machining processes

Develop and optimize new machining processes, improve existing ones, and create necessary tooling and fixtures to improve efficiency, quality, and safety

Identify new or additional equipment needs related to existing or new product manufacture

Evaluate new or used equipment to determine benefits and return on investment, ability to maintain the physical and dimensional requirements of components, assemblies and products, and ability to meet safety and ergonomic requirements

Prepare BOE's and appropriations for approvals and administrator spending of budgeted funding for tooling, fixtures, and equipment

Monitor machine performances and work with Maintenance & Operations to coordinate preventative maintenance schedules and tooling & equipment calibration

Identifying and resolving complex technical issues related to machining processes, equipment and product quality

Provide technical support to machinists & shop personnel, Operations and Scheduling

Work with Quality Engineering to implement and maintain quality control measures throughout the machining process to include monitoring, periodic and final inspections

Create and maintain documentation for routers & work instructions, tooling & equipment specifications, and engineering changes

Create and maintain adequate documentation for analysis research, and historical records related to machining processes

Collaborate with Design, Quality and Operations to resolve manufacturing issues

Support training and development of shop and floor personnel in machining best practices

. Required Education, Experience, & Skills B.S. degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline or overall equivalent experience

Proficiency in using Siemens NX software for design & modeling of fixtures, components & parts, and connected to machine programming (highly preferred).

Experience with Vericut or other machining simulation software

Strong knowledge of CNC machining (Lathes, Turning, Milling, Hobbing, Routers, Cutters, Grinding, Drilling, EDM, Machine Centers), manual machining, and related equipment, tooling & fixturing

Strong familiarity with GD&T, blueprint reading, and machine tolerances

Experience with MRP type systems and shop floor data collection

Knowledge of materials and metallurgy relevant to maching operations

Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing

Knowledge of quality control procedures, inspection requirements, and relevant industry standards

Ability to plan, execute, and manage complex projects, ensuring they are completed successfully on-time and with high-quality results

Strong problem-solving, priority setting, team engagement, communication and project management skills

Proficiency of MS Office Suite products (SharePoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.)

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Defense Contracting Experience

7+ years in a machine and manufacturing operation/environment

Excellent time management, interpersonal and leadership skills

Experience with the programming of multiple head configurations

Experience with the programming of complex 3,4,5 axis mills, and multi-axis vertical & horizontal lathes

Directing the creation of ROM's, BOE and quoting of equipment & tooling

Professional Certifications (PMP, CQE, Six Sigma, ISO, Problem Solving, etc.).

Program/Project Management (PMP highly favored)

Experience in utilizing Lean manufacturing methods to reduce costs & improve quality

Experience in value stream mapping, Visio, and the layout of machining operations

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $107359 - $182510

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.