BAE Systems Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to BAE Systems careers for veterans. Learn about electronic warfare, combat vehicles, naval ships, veteran hiring programs, clearance requirements, and how to land jobs at this global defense company.
BAE Systems Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
BAE Systems is a global defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in the UK but with a significant US presence. The US subsidiary, BAE Systems, Inc., is one of the top 10 defense contractors in America, specializing in electronic warfare, combat vehicles, ship repair, and munitions.
For veterans—especially those with electronics, vehicle, or naval backgrounds—BAE Systems offers career opportunities where your operational experience matters.
Why BAE Systems for Veterans?
Technology Leadership
BAE leads in specialized areas:
- Electronic warfare
- Electronic systems
- Combat vehicles
- Ship repair and modernization
- Munitions
Military Relevance
Products you may have used:
- Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades
- M109 Paladin
- AMPV (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
- Electronic warfare suites
- Ship systems
Global Opportunities
International company benefits:
- US and UK positions
- Global career paths
- Diverse projects
- Stability of large enterprise
Veteran Hiring
BAE values military service:
- Veteran recruiting programs
- Skills translation
- Clearance value understood
- Military culture familiarity
What BAE Systems Does (US Operations)
Electronic Systems
Electronics and sensors:
- Electronic warfare systems
- Countermeasures
- Sensors and seekers
- Airborne systems
Intelligence & Security
Information services:
- Cybersecurity
- Intelligence analysis
- Biometrics
- Security solutions
Platforms & Services
Manufacturing and support:
- Combat vehicles (Bradley, AMPV)
- Ship repair and modernization
- Weapon systems
- Life cycle support
Space & Mission Systems
Space technology:
- Space electronics
- GPS systems
- Satellite components
- Mission systems
Career Opportunities at BAE Systems
Electronic Warfare Positions
EW specialization:
Electronic Warfare Engineer:
- EW system design
- Threat analysis
- Countermeasure development
- Test and evaluation
Requirements:
- EE or related degree
- EW knowledge valuable
- Clearance (usually TS/SCI)
- Technical depth
Salary: $90,000 - $165,000+
Military fit: EW officers, 29E, electronic warfare specialists
RF Engineer:
- Radio frequency design
- Antenna systems
- Signal processing
- Microwave systems
Requirements:
- RF/EE background
- Analysis tools
- Lab experience
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $85,000 - $160,000+
Military fit: RF specialists, communications, EW
Systems Engineer:
- EW systems integration
- Requirements development
- Architecture design
- Technical leadership
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Systems methodology
- EW domain knowledge helpful
- Clearance (required)
Salary: $90,000 - $170,000+
Military fit: Technical officers, systems backgrounds
Combat Vehicle Positions
Ground systems:
Vehicle Systems Engineer:
- Combat vehicle systems
- Integration
- Upgrades
- Survivability systems
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Vehicle systems knowledge
- Mechanical/electrical aptitude
- Project experience
Salary: $80,000 - $150,000+
Military fit: 19K, 91 series, armor officers
Manufacturing Engineer:
- Production processes
- Assembly methods
- Quality improvement
- Lean manufacturing
Requirements:
- Engineering or technical degree
- Manufacturing experience
- Process orientation
- Problem-solving
Salary: $70,000 - $125,000+
Military fit: Maintenance, ordnance, production backgrounds
Test Technician:
- Vehicle testing
- Systems verification
- Data collection
- Performance evaluation
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Testing experience
- Mechanical aptitude
- Documentation skills
Salary: $50,000 - $85,000+
Military fit: Maintenance, test backgrounds, vehicle crews
Ship Repair Positions
Naval maintenance:
Ship Designer/Naval Architect:
- Ship design modifications
- Structural analysis
- Systems integration
- Repair planning
Requirements:
- Naval architecture or engineering degree
- Ship systems knowledge
- CAD proficiency
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $80,000 - $150,000+
Military fit: Engineering duty officers, naval engineers
Marine Electrician:
- Ship electrical systems
- Installation
- Repair and modification
- Testing
Requirements:
- Electrical background
- Marine systems experience helpful
- Trade skills
- Physical capability
Salary: $55,000 - $95,000+
Military fit: Electrician's mates, interior communications
Pipefitter/Welder:
- Ship piping systems
- Welding operations
- Repair work
- Installation
Requirements:
- Trade skills
- Welding certifications
- Ship experience helpful
- Physical capability
Salary: $50,000 - $90,000+
Military fit: Hull technicians, machinist mates
Intelligence & Cyber Positions
Information services:
Cybersecurity Analyst:
- Security operations
- Threat analysis
- Incident response
- Vulnerability assessment
Requirements:
- Cybersecurity background
- Certifications
- Technical skills
- Clearance (required)
Salary: $85,000 - $155,000+
Military fit: 25D, 17C, cyber backgrounds
Intelligence Analyst:
- All-source analysis
- Threat assessment
- Collection support
- Reporting
Requirements:
- Intelligence experience
- Analytical skills
- Clearance (TS/SCI typically)
- Writing ability
Salary: $70,000 - $135,000+
Military fit: 35 series, intelligence backgrounds
Program Management
Leadership roles:
Program Manager:
- Program execution
- Customer relationships
- Team leadership
- Financial management
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Management experience
- Communication skills
- PMP helpful
Salary: $110,000 - $190,000+
Military fit: Senior officers, program experience
BAE Systems Veteran Programs
Veteran Hiring Initiatives
BAE recruits veterans:
- Dedicated military recruiting
- Skills translation tools
- Military hiring events
- Base job fairs
SkillBridge Partnership
DoD transition program:
- Internship opportunities
- Various locations
- Real projects
- Path to employment
Veteran Employee Group
Internal support:
- Networking
- Mentorship
- Professional development
- Community involvement
Military Spouse Program
Family support:
- Employment opportunities
- Flexible arrangements where possible
- Relocation assistance
- Career support
Reserve/Guard Support
Ongoing service:
- Military leave policies
- Differential pay options
- Job protection
- Understanding culture
BAE Systems Hiring Process
Step 1: Apply
Where to apply:
- baesystems.com/careers
- ClearanceJobs
- Indeed
Step 2: Screening
Review for:
- Basic qualifications
- Clearance eligibility
- Experience match
- Education verification
Step 3: Interviews
Multiple rounds:
Phone Screen:
- Initial discussion
- Background review
- Interest confirmation
Technical Interview:
- Skills assessment
- Domain knowledge
- Problem-solving
Panel Interview:
- Team fit
- Behavioral questions
- Leadership assessment
Step 4: Selection
Final steps:
- Reference checks
- Background verification
- Offer negotiation
- Clearance processing
Timeline
Typical process:
- Application to response: 2-4 weeks
- Interview process: 2-5 weeks
- Offer to start: 2-4 weeks
BAE Systems Salary
Compensation Ranges
| Role | Entry | Mid-Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | $75K-$95K | $95K-$140K | $140K-$175K |
| EW Engineering | $85K-$105K | $105K-$150K | $150K-$190K |
| Trades | $45K-$65K | $65K-$85K | $85K-$105K |
| Program Mgmt | $95K-$120K | $120K-$160K | $160K-$200K |
| Intelligence/Cyber | $75K-$100K | $100K-$140K | $140K-$175K |
Location Factors
Major locations:
- DC area: Reference rates
- San Diego: Similar to DC
- New Hampshire/NH: Slightly lower
- Austin, TX: Competitive
Clearance Premium
Security clearance value:
- Secret: Base rates
- Top Secret: +5-10%
- TS/SCI: +10-20%
- Special access: Additional premium
Benefits
Comprehensive package:
- Medical/dental/vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Pension plan (varies)
- PTO
- Tuition assistance
- Professional development
- Life insurance
BAE Systems Locations
US Headquarters
Falls Church, VA:
- US headquarters
- Business operations
Major Locations
Nashua, NH:
- Electronic Systems headquarters
- Major engineering center
San Diego, CA:
- Ship repair
- Naval systems
Sterling Heights, MI:
- Combat vehicles
- Land systems
Austin, TX:
- Technology center
- Growing presence
Minneapolis, MN:
- Mission systems
- Intelligence
Norfolk, VA:
- Ship repair
- Navy shipyard proximity
Other Locations
Presence across US:
- Maryland
- Pennsylvania
- Alabama
- And others
Military Experience Translation
Electronic Warfare
Direct path:
- 29E → EW Engineer
- EW officers → Systems engineering
- Aviation EW → EW systems
- Naval EW → Naval systems
Armor/Vehicles
Combat vehicle connections:
- 19K/19D → Vehicle systems
- 91 series → Manufacturing, maintenance
- Ordnance → Quality, production
- Armor officers → Program management
Navy/Ships
Naval experience:
- Hull technicians → Shipfitters
- Electrician's mates → Marine electricians
- Engineers → Ship systems
- Surface warfare → Program management
Intelligence/Cyber
Information roles:
- 35 series → Intelligence analyst
- 17C/25D → Cybersecurity
- Intelligence officers → Management
Application Tips
Resume Optimization
Key elements:
- Translate military terminology
- Highlight relevant systems experience
- Note clearance status
- Quantify accomplishments
- Show technical depth
Keywords to Include
Match postings:
- Electronic warfare
- RF engineering
- Combat vehicle systems
- Naval architecture
- Systems integration
Interview Preparation
Research:
- Know BAE products
- Understand business areas
- Research specific role
- Current programs
Prepare:
- Technical examples
- STAR method stories
- Domain knowledge demonstration
- Questions for team
Career Growth at BAE Systems
Technical Track
Engineering progression:
- Engineer I/II
- Senior Engineer
- Principal Engineer
- Chief Engineer
- Fellow
Management Track
Leadership progression:
- Team Lead
- Manager
- Director
- Vice President
- Executive
Global Opportunities
International potential:
- UK positions possible
- Global projects
- International experience
- Cross-border mobility
The Bottom Line
BAE Systems offers veterans:
- Specialized technology leadership in EW, vehicles, ships
- Global company stability with US focus
- Direct relevance to military experience
- Competitive compensation with strong benefits
- Career growth in technical and management tracks
Your experience with BAE systems in uniform translates to building and improving those systems as a civilian.
Apply at baesystems.com/careers
Explore other defense contractors: L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics.