Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description BAE Systems is seeking a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Continuous Improvement Engineer to support our work as a prime contractor on a high-profile U.S. Navy weapon system. A strategic mindset, a passion for continuous improvement, technical agility, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse program areas are important traits we expect the successful candidate to possess and demonstrate.

This position is responsible for driving operational excellence among various program areas to execute Process Improvement and Kaizen-type events in a non-manufacturing environment. The candidate will analyze complex workflows and documentation to eliminate waste—reducing process steps and optimizing efficiency—while identifying opportunities to integrate AI and other digital tools to automate manual tasks and allow team members to focus on high-value work. Additionally, the candidate will take a proactive approach in analyzing how updates to various external documentation impacts internal documentation and processes to ensure seamless alignment and compliance. Candidate will also be required to support other Quality Department operations as needed. A limited amount of travel to off-site locations could be required.

About BAE Systems and the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)

Our organization has supported the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) continually since the program’s inception in the 1950s. SSP developed the first sea-based, underwater-launched Strategic Weapon System (SWS), a defense system that is truly critical to our national security. For more than six decades, SSP has maintained and upgraded this weapon system and we have been there every step of the way. The sea-based SWS is the ultimate stealthy weapon system and is the first leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation’s nuclear arsenal its importance to maintaining world peace cannot be overstated. The development of Columbia, the most advanced nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine ever designed, as well the next D5LE2 weapon system is under way and will begin to be rolled out over the next decade. The Navy projects this system to be operational through 2084, meaning the program will have a total life span of more than 120 years. This is a unique program and BAE Systems employees on this program understand they are part of an important legacy.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of professional work experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or a related field in a systems integration and/or program management work environment (Non-manufacturing environment).
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
- Proven experience facilitating Kaizen-like events and utilizing transactional Lean methodologies to streamline workflows and reduce waste in “invisible” processes.
- Experience executing Current State Mapping and Root Cause Analysis against existing, locally-maintained process guidance to improve the performance of Standard Work.
- Experience supporting high visibility/high impact process improvement projects on-time with critical stakeholder buy-in and engagement.
- Experience working in or for an ISO 9001-certified organization, or familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management System concepts.
- Proficiency as an agent of change and help to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to interact with diverse work teams across multiple program areas.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and process mapping software.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or desire to pursue further certifications.
- Experience as an Effective and Impactful Kaizen Facilitator
- Experience identifying and integrating AI tools or automation software to optimize business processes.
- Experience working within a defense prime contractor environment, specifically supporting U.S. Navy weapon systems.
- Detailed knowledge of the SSP T9001 Quality Management System framework.
- Familiarity with how external documentation impacts internal documentation and processes to ensure seamless alignment and compliance.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $101398 - $172377

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.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security 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.