Engineer II - Thermal Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis

BAE Systems, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 72,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

BAE Systems, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Analyst with strong thermal analysis capabilities to support evaluations for directed energy systems.

You will perform detailed thermal analyses, develop models, and work with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance. The role requires BS in Engineering and 2+ years of related experience, proficiency with Python/MATLAB/C++, and experience with FEA/CFD tools such as Ansys or COMSOL.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering or related technical field with 2+ years of experience.
• Active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI.
• Experience with thermal analysis using FEA/CFD tools (Ansys, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for data analysis and model development.
• Familiarity with CAD and simulation tools (SolidWorks, Ansys, Abaqus).

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed steady-state and transient thermal analyses of laser systems, materials, and opto-mechanical components.
• Develop, validate, and refine thermal models using FEA/CFD tools.
• Build and maintain preprocessing and post-processing tools using Python and MATLAB.
• Integrate experimental data, sensor outputs, and simulation results into system assessments.
• Interpret optical and photonic diagnostics in the context of thermal behavior and system performance.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to support rapid learning and knowledge transfer.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

BS in Engineering or related field

Top Secret clearance

Tools

Ansys

COMSOL

SolidWorks

Abaqus

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an Engineering Analyst with strong thermal analysis capabilities to support critical technology evaluations for Directed Energy systems. In this role, you will work within cross‑functional teams focused on high‑energy laser systems, complex modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts. The ideal candidate is able to rapidly learn, operate with minimal oversight, and apply engineering principles to analyze, predict, and optimize system performance.

What You’ll Do

• Thermal Modeling & System Analysis:
• Perform detailed steady‑state and transient thermal analyses of laser systems, materials, and opto‑mechanical components.
• Develop, validate, and refine thermal models using FEA (e.g., Ansys Thermal).
• Evaluate heat transfer mechanisms including multi‑component conduction, convection, and radiation and their impact on operational performance.
• Assess thermal mitigation approaches, cooling strategies, and thermal effects on beam quality and component reliability.
• Modeling, Simulation & Data Processing
• Build and maintain pre‑processing and post‑processing tools using MATLAB and Python to streamline existing Modeling and Simulation workflows.
• Integrate experimental data, sensor outputs, and simulation results into cohesive thermal and system‑level assessments.
• Identify issues in existing models, simulation frameworks, and analysis pipelines, and implement improvements.
• Laser Systems Evaluation
• Simulate laser propagation, energy deposition, material response, and system efficiency using an end‑to‑end framework.
• Support test planning and execution through predictive modeling, scenario evaluation, and post‑test data analytics.
• Interpret optical and photonic diagnostics in the context of thermal behavior and system performance.
• Cross‑Functional Technical Communication
• Synthesize disparate technical sources such as research papers, reports, and experimental datasets into a single, coherent engineering narrative.
• Present complex thermal and laser‑system insights to teams of engineers and analysts, non‑technical stakeholders, project managers, and partner teams.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, optical, and test engineering disciplines to support rapid learning and knowledge transfer.
• 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 plus 2 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.
• A current, active Top Secret security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI.
• Demonstrated experience with thermal analysis using FEA or CFD tools (Ansys, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of heat transfer principles and thermal‑material interactions.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for data analysis and custom model development.
• Familiarity with CAD and simulation environments such as SolidWorks, Ansys, or Abaqus.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to quickly learn complex systems and operate independently with minimal oversight.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline plus 2 years relevant experience is preferred.
• 3+ years of engineering or analytical experience, preferably in R&D or defense/aerospace environments.
• Experience with high‑energy laser systems, thermal testing and analysis, data acquisition, and instrumentation.
• Experience integrating experimental thermal data with predictive models.

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $72150 - $122655

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 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 the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. 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.