BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in thermal analysis and management. This role is critical in designing and validating innovative thermal solutions to ensure the reliability and performance of dynamic electronic military systems operating in extreme environments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep expertise in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and thermal modeling, with a proven track record of driving thermal strategies from the IRAD/Proposal phase through to the Qualification phase. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Thermal Oversight: Provide lead thermal oversight for entire projects, complex modules, or high-power LRUs/boxes, operating with high autonomy to ensure thermal stability and system reliability. Thermal Analysis Authority: Hold primary responsibility and authority for all thermal design and analysis. Utilize advanced simulation tools to predict thermal behavior and solve complex heat dissipation challenges. Business Pursuit & Customer Engagement: Support key business pursuits by defining thermal requirements and constraints that meet customer needs; serve as the primary technical point of contact for thermal architecture during customer engagements. Thermal Solution Development: Develop and optimize robust thermal management solutions (e.g., conduction cooling, liquid cooling, advanced heat sinks) to meet demanding environmental specifications. SME Analysis & Review: Act as the Thermal Engineering SME and reviewer; perform high-level complex thermal analyses and present findings effectively to program leadership and customers. Project Integration: Collaborate across disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems) to ensure that thermal constraints are integrated into the overall design, and that cost, schedule, and technical risks are addressed. Business Initiative Driver: Promote and implement strategic initiatives related to thermal modeling standards, simulation automation, and rigorous peer review processes for thermal reports. Team Mentorship: Lead and mentor a team of engineers, guiding them in the application of thermal analysis best practices to advance their technical proficiency. Detailed Execution: Generate and assess thermal models, perform steady-state and transient analyses, and define test plans for thermal verification and qualification.