Principal Engineer - Facilities

BAE Systems, Inc.; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 96,623 - 164,259; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

BAE Systems, Inc. is seeking a Chemical Process Expert to modernize and sustain energetic manufacturing processes at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN. The role involves coordinating projects, leading engineering teams, and conducting complex analyses while ensuring safety regulations are adhered to.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree, significant experience in the chemical process industry, and expertise in engineering design, with a competitive salary range of $96,623 to $164,259 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the chemical process industry or equivalent engineering experience.
• Proven track record in engineering design, development, and commissioning.
• Ability to direct internal and external engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Engineering Manager to prioritize projects.
• Review production processes and develop equipment recommendations.
• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Skills

Engineering design

Project leadership

Chemical process industry

Safety regulations knowledge

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Description

BAE Systems, one of the world’s largest defense contractors, is hiring a Chemical Process Expert in Facilities to help conceptualize and execute modernization and sustainment of energetic manufacturing processes at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) in northeastern Tennessee. The role will report onsite at the Kingsport, TN facility and support the Ordnance Systems, Inc. (OSI) Business.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Engineering Manager to prioritize projects and define the scope of technical requirements.
• Review current production process steps, develop equipment or technology recommendations, and prepare project proposals for U.S. Government funding submissions.
• Lead multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, ensuring technical viability and successful completion of tasks.
• Develop technical development plans, detailed proposals, scopes of work, and accurate engineering estimates.
• Create and maintain project schedules, workflow timelines, and task duration estimates.
• Oversee the execution phase to ensure adherence to plans, specifications, and industry‑standard construction practices.
• Perform complex engineering analyses for thermal, power, pumping/piping, HVAC, and process cooling/heating systems.
• Lead design and construction of machinery layouts, storage tanks, and pressure vessels.
• Review and approve design packages from external firms and equipment suppliers.
• Conduct facility inspections, assess integrity and safety, and provide modification recommendations.
• Lead internal teams and suppliers in developing drawings, statements of work (SOW), and specification packages for procurement.
• Supervise subcontractor performance to ensure deliverables meet scope.
• Support the Project Manager in budget development, purchase requisition approval, and invoice verification.
• Integrate safety considerations into all aspects of design and operational work.
• Execute commissioning plans and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.
• Provide technical risk management and coordinate program integration with the overall OSI team.
• Perform detailed Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) and give technical recommendations based on evolving or undefined project requirements.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in the chemical process industry, or 6+ years of equivalent relevant engineering experience.
• Proven track record in engineering design, development, construction, and commissioning with a technical project leadership role.
• Experience in project or construction estimating.
• Broad experience in at least one of Civil, Structural, Process, Machine, Power, Control Systems, or Pumps and Piping System Design.
• Working knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards, including Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC).
• Ability to direct internal design teams and external engineering firms and produce comprehensive technical documentation.
• Proven ability to interface effectively with customers, functional departments, and site operations and maintenance teams.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, AutoCAD Inventor).
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Microsoft Project.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience managing Department of Defense (DoD) projects and working with Energetics and related processes.
• Experience in the design and construction of chemical manufacturing facilities utilizing acids, bases, and solvents for energetic material production.
• Familiarity with demilitarization protocols, explosives site safety (DDESB), and environmental safety regulations (e.g., EPA, TDEC).
• Proficiency in Systems Engineering Analysis and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and other advanced analysis software.
• Ability to generate professional engineering design drawings using industry‑standard software.

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $96,623 – $164,259. Individual salaries are determined by business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program, legal plan, and other perks including discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Employee recognition program for monetary or non‑monetary awards and other incentives based on position level and job specifics.