Engineer II - Thermal Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis

BAE Systems•Albuquerque, NM

6d•$72,150 - $122,655•Onsite

About The Position

BAE Systems is seeking an Engineering Analyst with strong thermal analysis capabilities to support critical technology evaluations for Directed Energy systems. The role works within cross-functional teams focused on high-energy laser systems and complex modeling, simulation, and analysis. The successful candidate applies mechanical engineering principles and thermal modeling experience to analyze, predict, and optimize system performance, translating limited technical information into actionable insights for decision-makers. The position performs thermal modeling and system analysis, develops and maintains data-processing tools, evaluates laser systems, and supports test planning and analysis. It involves integrating experimental data and simulation results, improving analytical models and workflows, interpreting optical and photonic diagnostics, and communicating findings to technical and non-technical audiences. The role requires regular on-site work five days each normally scheduled week. Work may take place in an office, laboratory, production floor, cleanroom, outdoors, or a remote research environment; occasional protective equipment may be required in production areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field, plus two or more years of related experience; higher-level degrees may substitute for experience, and related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education.
A current, active Top Secret security clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Demonstrated experience with thermal analysis using FEA or CFD tools such as 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.
Degree must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline, plus two years of relevant experience.
Three or more 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.

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 tools such as Ansys Thermal.
Evaluate conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer and their impact on operational performance.
Assess thermal mitigation approaches, cooling strategies, and thermal effects on beam quality and component reliability.
Build and maintain MATLAB and Python pre-processing and post-processing tools for Modeling and Simulation workflows.
Integrate experimental data, sensor outputs, and simulation results into thermal and system-level assessments.
Identify issues in models, simulation frameworks, and analysis pipelines and implement improvements.
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.
Synthesize technical sources, including research papers, reports, and experimental datasets, into coherent engineering narratives.
Present thermal and laser-system insights to engineers, analysts, non-technical stakeholders, project managers, and partner teams.
Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, optical, and test engineering disciplines to support learning and knowledge transfer.
Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the department, Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the company; interact appropriately to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Perform other duties as necessary.
Work on-site five days each normally scheduled week and travel or commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations as required.