Principal Systems Engineer for Capital Projects

Location: Kingsport, Tennessee, United States

Category: Engineering & Technology

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Description
Join a mission-driven team delivering life-saving products and services to our nation's military. As part of the ordnance systems team at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN, you will work alongside industry leaders at the forefront of energetics technology.

The Principal Systems Engineer for Capital Projects provides technical leadership and systems integration oversight for energetics manufacturing construction projects. You will act as the primary bridge between chemical process engineering and systems architectural design, developing and translating requirements into scalable, safe, and efficient physical plant designs.

You will lead the definition and management of system architecture, ensuring multidisciplinary engineering efforts are integrated through traceability matrices, configuration baselines, and rigorous verification and validation. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will drive technical decisions, lead design reviews, and serve as the final technical authority for system integration to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in full regulatory compliance.

At BAE Systems, we value our workforce. We offer competitive salary and benefits packages, a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off), and a hybrid work environment (2-3 days on-site).

As a Principal Systems Engineer for Capital Projects, you will:

• Interface with internal and external stakeholders of large-scale capital projects.
• Bridge the gap between chemical process engineering, civil/construction, and systems architectural design.
• Develop and maintain system requirements, verification and validation, and technical interfaces across the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the transition of projects from conceptual design through commissioning and qualification.
• Resolve complex technical challenges using innovative solutions consistent with organizational goals.
• Ensure safety, throughput, and regulatory compliance are maintained throughout project lifecycle phases.
• Define and manage system architecture to ensure all multidisciplinary engineering efforts are integrated and aligned.
• This role requires regular presence in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. The incumbent must be able to access and safely navigate production areas which may include climbing, kneeling, stooping, and working in confined spaces. Must also be able to comply with all requirements including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with company policy.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Systems Engineering. We may consider candidates with other relevant training.
• 6+ years relevant experience. We may consider candidates with fewer years of experience for a more junior role or additional experience for a more senior role.
• Experience in the design, operation, or construction of industrial or government facilities, with a strong understanding of process flow and equipment integration.
• Experience developing technical specifications and requirements documents to align stakeholders and vendors.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Structural or Systems Engineering.
• Experience working with Department of War customer.
• Experience managing interdependencies between chemical processes, mechanical equipment, and control systems.
• Experience with energetics, propellants, or explosive materials manufacturing and associated safety constraints.
• Experience with Systems Engineering tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw, DOORS/Jama).
• Experience managing the full lifecycle from initial requirements through Site Acceptance Testing and transition to production.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) toward a unified system goal. #LI-Hybrid #LI-JR1

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $96623 - $164259

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 Platforms & Services
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.