Operations Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) Co-op, Spring/Summer, 2027

Job Description

At BAE Systems, its our people who make the difference and are the backbone of our technologies. Employing some of the most talented, dedicated people on the planet is not by chance. People from all over the globe choose BAE Systems as the cornerstone of their careers, helping create and deliver communications, integration, and engineering solutions that our global customers demand so that our world keeps moving and stays connected. Join BAE Systems and help shape our future while creating yours.

This position provides technical and operational support to the Operations team by enabling and improving the flow of product through manufacturing and supply chain. We welcome students from Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Logistics, or related majors. Assignments range from straightforward and reactionary in nature to complex and strategic projects, offering exposure to the core of operations leadership at BAE Systems. The Iowa site is a major pipeline into the competitive Operations Leadership Development Program, with potential future opportunities across multiple U.S. locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in manufacturing and operations projects including work cell design, material presentation, layout, optimization, and resource utilization.

• Conduct studies pertaining to cost control, cost reduction, inventory control, and lead-time improvements through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles.

• Analyze manufacturing and/or test data to assist the manufacturing team with continuous improvement efforts, defect reduction, and cost improvement.

• Support troubleshooting and monitoring of test equipment (mechanical/electrical background is a strong plus).

• Lead or assist engineers in the development of root cause analysis and corrective actions for production and test defects.

• Develop and execute methodologies to interpret and display manufacturing and operations data and metrics to factory floor personnel.

• Assist with tooling and assembly fixture design where needed.

• Support robotics, automation, and process improvement projects as required.

• Assist the engineering and operations support team with factory layout and process flow including the development of 2D CAD layouts.

• Engage in inventory management, materials flow, and warehouse initiatives to improve throughput and delivery performance.

• Collaborate on cross-functional initiatives involving logistics and project management to reduce cycle times and improve efficiency.

• Individual job duties may vary depending on project needs.

In this position, you will participate in BAE Systems' nationwide LEAP Internship & Co-op Program, where you will Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. The LEAP Program will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on impactful projects, engage in career development opportunities, and network with our business leaders and the other students in the program.

Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Must be pursuing a 4-year technical, engineering, operations, or supply chain management degree
• Effective communication and collaboration skills; comfortable working in a team environment.
• High energy with a desire to learn and grow.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Have completed at least Undergraduate degree and or enrolled in a Graduate degree program
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering coursework or experience, particularly in troubleshooting and monitoring test equipment.
• AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other 2D/3D CAD software.
• Strong data analytics skills using Microsoft Office applications.
• Software skills such as SQL, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Oracle experience is a plus
• Experience with robotics and automation.
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing and test processes.
• Exposure to logistics, or project management (inventory management, lead-time reduction, warehouse management, maintenance management).

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $54631 - $73752

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.

Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.

About BAE Systems, Inc.
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.