system engineer

principal software engineer

senior system engineer

senior software engineer

software engineer

BAE-Systems

From the outset, my experience was challenging. I joined a team that did not prioritize information sharing and started with no formal training, just a stack of documentation to read. This lack of training from the beginning felt like it was setting me up for failure. Despite my best efforts to integrate and contribute, I found myself excluded from critical conversations and knowledge-sharing sessions. The favoritism displayed by management significantly impacted my experience, creating an environment where Department of Defense regulations were inconsistently enforced. For instance, some team members have been there for years without obtaining the required CompTIA Sec+ certificate, while I was pressured to retake the exam within 1-2 months after an initial failure.

I raised these concerns about the toxic workplace environment with HR and Ethics early on, but no visible actions were taken. Instead, it felt like I had a target on my back. I was removed from committees I cared about and denied a transfer to a new department, despite prior approval.

Furthermore, it is frustrating to see that there are still team members who do not meet the basic qualifications required for their roles. The inconsistent enforcement of these standards is unheard of and contributes to a toxic work environment. Additionally, the lack of substantial work was disheartening. I struggle to understand how people are paid to sit and watch NASCAR, literally, when there is so little work to be done.

I was with BAE Systems for 13 years in total.  My second stint was 9 years long.

I returned to a project facing role and started within the service part of the business.  This involved working on bids and contracts for different customers that required an after sales repair/replacement service.  There were many different types of contracts covering both commercial and government offices.  I oversaw contract negotiation with suppliers, reviewing technical documentation with input from functional stakeholders and represented Procurement within the bid team IPT.

After 5 years I moved to NPI where I once again was part of both bid and project teams.  Specialising in Head Up Displays and Helmet Mounted Displays, I worked with all functions to ensure that both external and internal customer requirements could be met by the supply chain and vice versa.  I was responsible for risk management, procurement plan execution, prime estimate inputs, relationship management and commercial/contract negotiation.  

I also qualified as a Greenbelt, which I used by managing improvement projects, and an internal auditor; meaning I could audit suppliers as part of the process verification procedure.

The hardest part of my job was ensuring short deadlines were met when required and also managing suppliers new to certain product development.

The most enjoyable part was managing relationships with suppliers and executing business improvements.

BAE relies on "Temp" people to do their jobs, and you are just that a "TEMP" Deal with it and accept it, look for nothing more amidst their lies to the employees. Promises of "Keeping" those who excel.

As I am a 25 year professional in the Military documentation development, managing teams of people, excelling in efficiencies and clarity in vehicle documentation for our "Warfighters'. Only to be "LAID OFF" by BAE within 5 months, due to said "Budget" reasons and NEVER called back.

Documentation material doesn't even match to the current re-power equipment, loosey goosey all around and top management does nothing. As a management professional in the DoD work, alone with the proper team, I could have turned them around to a "higher" level of efficiencies and profit. 

Restructuring will never happen and all management only strives to keep their positions, when I offered and suggestions and remedies to strengthen the team structure, I was looked down upon, possibly a threat to their "Culture" of overspending and misrepresentation. Sad day for myself and those that were positioned under me,Sad Day!!!

Started each day with a group meeting, worked at personal stations

Management was laid back and didn't exert any pressure, we were left alone, but still, there was 0 slacking off

The hardest part of the job was the work itself but it was fun and enjoyable, the mood was happy

Work was challenging but fun: 
> Assembled various military electronic components following engineering method sheets/documents
> Every electronic component was soldered and assembled following Class III standards; everything assembled/built had to be Class III
> Worked directly with Engineers to revise and improve method sheets/documents
> Work was self-managed, we left alone
> The electronic components assembled were new and different each day
> Worked in different areas/sections as needed, people were not stuck doing only one thing
> Constantly learned how to do new and different things and how to operate a lot of different electronic manufacturing machinery
> Worked as a team and people helped each other though we worked at individual stations

It was a positive workplace culture

BAE Systems offers a wide range of advanced defense, aerospace, and security solutions, excelling in delivering high-quality technology. Their team is professional, responsive, and customer-oriented, ensuring that every interaction is smooth and efficient. I’ve been particularly impressed with their attention to detail and the level of expertise they bring to the table. They consistently deliver on their promises, meeting deadlines without compromising on quality.

One of the standout features of BAE Systems is their exceptional customer service. They are always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide support throughout the entire process. This level of commitment has made my experience with them truly remarkable.

However, there is some room for improvement in terms of pricing transparency. While their services are excellent, a clearer breakdown of costs upfront would enhance the overall customer experience.

Overall, I highly recommend BAE Systems to anyone in need of reliable and professional defense and security solutions. They are a trustworthy partner committed to delivering results.

Transitioning from Ball Aerospace to BAE Systems has come with significant challenges. Leadership has methodically reduced benefits for mid-level employees, quietly stripping away approximately $6,000 per year in value. This approach has left many feeling undervalued and unsupported.
In certain areas, the presence of entrenched "Good Ol’ Boy" leadership groups creates an environment where checks and balances are minimal. This lack of accountability has created inconsistent management practices that can undermine morale and productivity.
Veterans should also proceed with caution. Leadership skills and extensive experience gained in the military are often undervalued by some civilian leaders who appear to prioritize authority over collaboration, acting as though they wear rank insignia on their chest rather than nurturing mutual respect and teamwork.
While BAE Systems has strengths in innovation and defense capabilities, the cultural and structural challenges within certain leadership groups detract from its potential to be an inclusive and empowering workplace.


This company feels like a polished and sophisticated dumpster. You could expect a regular 40 hour week and find yourself signing your timesheet with 80 hours for the week. 

Communication on tasks and just in general is deplorable and any sort of criticism, however professional and constructive it may be, is ignored or retaliated against.

Expect to perform duties well beyond the scope of your job title and to not be compensated as such. Raises do not exist and neither do promotions because of "contract obstacles".

You can try to take paternity leave but don't expect anyone to know how to properly register you for it. My experience had me go without pay for nearly a month even after I did everything I was supposed to properly.

The most enjoyable portion of this job was the people you felt the pain with, however, we all quit, so even that is gone.

Overall work/life environment was pleasant, fun, professional, hard working, and team oriented.  We all worked together to accomplish company goals.  The company also created and hosted many employee morale events, that were fun and got everyone involved.  Benefits were comparable.  Later on changes in the organization and management resulted in many fearing what may become of their jobs.  Most managers were professional, experienced and followed company policies and code of conduct. While a few chose a different type of management style that might be considered the opposite.  As mentioned for the most part of my employment here I loved my job and the people I worked with.  Unfortunately for me those days ended after about 12 years.  I'm sure there are many people still very happy working there today, I wish them nothing but the best.

The pay for what you do is great as long as you can handle the long boring wait times on decision making. The toughest aspect of the job is being able to deal with the petty mind games of the current management. This is due to poor recruitment of inexperienced individuals who are in way above their heads. Personal interests and gains is the managements main priority over the benefit of the company. Everyone in their particular departments are united but there’s a huge divide between operators, skilled workers, engineers and management. Simply because no one will listen to the opinions or suggestions from others although they will continue to ask for them. If they could resolve this issue the work flow would be more consistent and steady. The job itself is also slow, often boring and quite repetitive. 

A typical day depends on the day, we had different tasks on different days. Sometimes we were on ground with plenty of work to do manually. Other times we working writing up future project plans. 
Working effectively in a team. Where we were called to pick up where others left off effectively and at the standard of, if not better than the predecessor. With regards to management, I realised how to gain from different types of management. Drill sergeants get the best out of me. The  'Cheerleader approach' allows you freedom to experiment and create good results that bring money in. The work place culture is competitive and friendly, since its quite male dominated. The hardest part was leaving for a break, because I was overdue for that break. The most enjoyable part is the camaraderie among team-mates.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
System engineer 270 salaries reported	$148,400 per year
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