Quick Answer

Limited—BAE Systems hires people with felony convictions case-by-case for positions NOT requiring security clearance. As a major defense contractor, most BAE Systems positions require Secret or Top Secret clearance (felonies typically disqualify):

Non-Cleared Positions (More Accessible):

• Manufacturing Technician: $18-28/hour (production, assembly, non-classified)

• Maintenance Technician: $22-35/hour (facilities maintenance, equipment repair)

• Material Handler: $17-24/hour (warehouse, logistics support)

• Entry-Level Production: $16-22/hour (manufacturing support)

Career Path: Production → Senior Technician → Manufacturing Supervisor ($55k-$80k)

CRITICAL: 70-80% of BAE Systems positions require security clearance—felonies usually disqualify. Target non-cleared manufacturing and facilities roles only.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About BAE Systems

3. Does BAE Systems Hire People with Felonies?

4. BAE Systems Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

5. BAE Systems Background Check & Security Clearance: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at BAE Systems with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Alternative Employers More Accessible Than BAE Systems

9. Final Thoughts

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a global defense, aerospace, and security company and one of the world's largest defense contractors. BAE Systems operates approximately 40 facilities across the United States employing over 35,000 workers in locations including Virginia, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and other states. BAE Systems produces military aircraft, armored vehicles, naval ships, munitions, electronic systems, cybersecurity solutions, and intelligence services for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied governments. As a major defense contractor, BAE Systems has LIMITED accessibility for people with criminal records due to security clearance requirements for majority of positions, but offers some opportunities in non-classified manufacturing, facilities maintenance, production support, and warehouse roles that do not require clearance in 2025.

Why BAE Systems Has Limited Accessibility:

1. 70-80% of positions require security clearance - Secret or Top Secret (felonies typically disqualify)

2. Department of Defense contractor - Strict federal background investigation standards

3. Classified work environment - Many facilities handle sensitive national security information

4. Engineering-focused - Most roles are salaried professional positions requiring clearance

Why Some BAE Systems Positions May Be Accessible:

1. Non-cleared manufacturing roles - Production work not involving classified systems

2. Facilities maintenance - Building/grounds maintenance, no classified access

3. Skilled trades shortage - Machinists, maintenance technicians, welders needed

4. Warehouse/logistics - Material handling in non-classified areas

5. Case-by-case evaluation - Older felonies with rehabilitation considered for non-cleared roles

6. Union representation - Some facilities unionized with job protections

Does BAE Systems Hire People with Felonies?

BAE Systems Hiring Approach (2025): BAE Systems evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case with SEVERE RESTRICTIONS due to security clearance requirements for majority of positions. As a Department of Defense prime contractor, BAE Systems must comply with federal security clearance adjudication standards where felonies create significant barriers to clearance approval. Positions requiring Secret or Top Secret clearance conduct extensive federal background investigations where recent felonies (within 7-10 years) almost always disqualify, and older felonies create major obstacles. However, BAE Systems maintains non-classified manufacturing facilities and support operations where some positions do NOT require security clearance—these roles evaluate criminal records case-by-case. Conviction type (especially violence, espionage, fraud, drug trafficking, national security crimes), time since conviction (10-20+ years better), rehabilitation demonstrated, and specific position determine limited eligibility in 2025.

What BAE Systems Considers:

• Security clearance requirement (MOST CRITICAL—eliminates 70-80% of positions)

• Position classification level (unclassified vs. classified)

• Time since conviction (10-20+ years significantly better for any role)

• Nature of conviction (national security crimes, espionage, sabotage automatic disqualification)

• Facility location and specific work (some facilities all-classified, others have non-cleared areas)

• Skilled trades certifications or experience (increases value for non-cleared technical roles)

• Complete honesty on application (lying = permanent disqualification from all defense work)

Most Accessible BAE Systems Positions (Non-Cleared Only): Manufacturing Technician (non-classified production), Maintenance Technician (facilities/equipment), Material Handler (warehouse), Machinist (commercial work), Production Support, Custodial/Janitorial, Groundskeeper

Positions Requiring Clearance (VERY DIFFICULT/IMPOSSIBLE): Engineering (all disciplines), Software Development, Cybersecurity, Program Management, Business Operations, Quality Assurance (most roles), IT positions, Design, Technical Writing, Administration with classified access (majority of office roles)

What Convictions Face Extreme Difficulty: Espionage, treason, terrorism, sabotage, national security violations, recent violence (any), fraud/embezzlement, drug trafficking, sex offenses, any felony within 7-10 years

What MAY Be Considered (Non-Cleared Roles Only): Very old non-violent felonies (15-20+ years with complete rehabilitation), drug possession (not trafficking) 10+ years old with sobriety maintained, property crimes 15+ years old with restitution completed

BAE Systems Application Reality: Do NOT waste time applying to 70-80% of BAE Systems positions—they require clearance and felonies disqualify. Research positions carefully. Target ONLY non-classified manufacturing, maintenance, or warehouse roles. Even these evaluate case-by-case and are difficult. Consider alternative employers more accessible to people with records.

BAE Systems Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

IMPORTANT: These positions MAY be accessible if NO security clearance required. Always verify clearance requirement before applying.

1. Manufacturing Technician (Non-Classified)

   Pay: $18-28/hour ($37,000-$58,000/year)

   Working in non-classified manufacturing areas assembling commercial or non-sensitive components, operating production equipment and machinery, following manufacturing procedures and quality standards, testing assembled products, maintaining production documentation, working in team manufacturing environment, supporting production quotas.
   

   Security Clearance: Position must be explicitly non-classified. Many manufacturing roles at BAE Systems DO require clearance—verify before applying.
   

   Why Potentially Accessible: Non-classified production work, technical skills valued, skilled trades shortage, behind-the-scenes manufacturing, case-by-case evaluation possible for older convictions, union representation at some facilities.
   

2. Maintenance Technician / Facilities Maintenance

   Pay: $22-35/hour ($46,000-$73,000/year)

   Maintaining BAE Systems facilities and buildings, repairing HVAC systems and equipment, electrical and plumbing work, preventive maintenance on non-classified facility systems, troubleshooting equipment breakdowns, maintaining grounds and infrastructure, ensuring safe working environment.
   

   Requirements: Maintenance experience, electrical/mechanical skills, HVAC certification helpful.
   

   Security Clearance: Facilities maintenance typically does NOT require clearance (maintaining buildings, not working on classified systems).
   

   Why More Accessible: Building maintenance not involving classified work, skilled trade with shortage, technical certifications valued, case-by-case evaluation, essential facility support.
   

3. Material Handler / Warehouse Associate

   Pay: $17-24/hour ($35,000-$50,000/year)

   Working in warehouse handling materials and components, receiving and organizing inventory, operating forklifts and material handling equipment, supporting production with parts and materials, maintaining warehouse organization, using inventory management systems.
   

   Requirements: Forklift certification helpful (may be provided).
   

   Security Clearance: Some warehouse positions do NOT require clearance if handling non-classified commercial parts. Verify specific role.
   

   Why Potentially Accessible: Logistics support role, behind-the-scenes warehouse work, physical straightforward duties, forklift operation, case-by-case evaluation possible.
   

4. Machinist (Commercial Production)

   Pay: $20-32/hour ($42,000-$67,000/year)

   Operating CNC machines and manual machining equipment, producing precision components, reading blueprints and technical drawings, measuring parts to specifications, maintaining machining equipment, ensuring quality standards, working with metals and alloys.
   

   Requirements: Machining experience or technical training, CNC operation skills.
   

   Security Clearance: Commercial machining or non-classified parts production may NOT require clearance. Many machinist roles DO require clearance—verify carefully.
   

   Why Potentially Accessible: Skilled trade shortage, technical certifications valued, precision manufacturing, case-by-case for non-cleared work.
   

5. Production Support / Manufacturing Associate

   Pay: $16-22/hour ($33,000-$46,000/year)

   Supporting manufacturing operations with material preparation, cleaning and organizing work areas, assisting technicians and machinists, operating basic production equipment, quality inspecting parts, maintaining production area cleanliness and safety.
   

   Security Clearance: Entry-level production support in non-classified areas may NOT require clearance. Verify specific position.
   

   Why Most Accessible (if non-cleared): Entry-level manufacturing support, physical labor focus, behind-the-scenes production, least technical requirements, gateway to skilled roles, case-by-case evaluation.
   

6. Custodial / Janitorial Services

   Pay: $14-19/hour ($29,000-$40,000/year)

   Cleaning BAE Systems facilities and office areas, maintaining restrooms and common areas, trash removal, floor care, supporting facility cleanliness and appearance, working various shifts including overnight.
   

   Security Clearance: Custodial staff typically do NOT require clearance for cleaning non-classified areas. Some facilities entirely classified may restrict.
   

   Why More Accessible: Facility services not involving classified work or systems, straightforward cleaning duties, behind-the-scenes support, night shifts available, case-by-case evaluation more lenient.
   

7. Groundskeeper / Facilities Support

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Maintaining BAE Systems facility grounds and exterior areas, landscaping and lawn care, snow removal, exterior building maintenance, supporting facility appearance, operating grounds equipment.
   

   Security Clearance: Typically does NOT require clearance for exterior grounds work.
   

   Why More Accessible: Outdoor facility maintenance, no classified systems involvement, physical outdoor work, landscaping skills, case-by-case evaluation.
   

8. Welder (Non-Classified Projects)

   Pay: $22-35/hour ($46,000-$73,000/year)

   Welding components and structures for non-classified commercial projects or facility work, reading welding blueprints, ensuring weld quality and integrity, following welding specifications, maintaining welding equipment, working with various metals.
   

   Requirements: Welding certification (AWS or equivalent).
   

   Security Clearance: Some welding positions do NOT require clearance if working on commercial or facility projects. Many DO require clearance—verify.
   

   Why Potentially Accessible: Welder shortage nationwide, welding certification demonstrates skill, technical trade, case-by-case for non-cleared work.
   

9. Shipping / Receiving Clerk (Non-Classified)

   Pay: $17-23/hour ($35,000-$48,000/year)

   Processing incoming and outgoing shipments, verifying materials against invoices, organizing warehouse receiving area, coordinating with carriers, maintaining shipping documentation, using shipping systems and computers.
   

   Security Clearance: Shipping/receiving for non-classified commercial materials may NOT require clearance. Verify specific role and facility.
   

   Why Potentially Accessible: Logistics coordination, behind-the-scenes warehouse, computer and organizational skills, case-by-case evaluation.
   

10. Quality Inspector (Non-Classified Production)

    Pay: $20-30/hour ($42,000-$62,000/year)

    Inspecting manufactured components for quality and compliance with specifications, measuring parts using precision instruments, documenting inspection results, ensuring quality standards, supporting continuous improvement.
    

    Requirements: Quality inspection experience, measuring instruments proficiency, attention to detail.
    

    Security Clearance: MOST quality positions require clearance. Some entry-level commercial production QC may NOT—extremely rare. Verify carefully.
    

    Why Rarely Accessible: Quality roles typically require clearance even for commercial work. If non-cleared QC position exists, technical skills and experience valued, case-by-case evaluation.

BAE Systems Background Check & Security Clearance: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): BAE Systems conducts extensive background checks as a major defense contractor. Background investigation level depends entirely on security clearance requirement:

Non-Cleared Positions: Standard criminal history check (7-10 years), employment verification, education verification, drug testing. Timeline: 1-3 weeks.

Secret Clearance (Most BAE Systems Positions): Federal background investigation by Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) including comprehensive criminal history (lifetime review), credit check, interviews with references and associates, employment and education verification, local law enforcement checks. Timeline: 4-8 months average.

Top Secret Clearance (Many BAE Systems Positions): Extensive federal background investigation including everything in Secret plus deeper investigations, more extensive interviews, potentially polygraph examination, foreign contacts investigation. Timeline: 8-18 months average.

Security Clearance & Felonies: Federal security clearance adjudication follows "whole person" concept but felonies create severe obstacles. Recent felonies (within 7-10 years) very rarely approved for any clearance level. Drug trafficking, violence, espionage, sabotage, fraud, terrorism, national security violations typically permanent disqualification. Older felonies (15-20+ years) with complete rehabilitation MAY be considered case-by-case but clearance denial still likely. Reality: Most people with any felony conviction cannot obtain security clearance.

What Disqualifies (Even Non-Cleared Positions): Espionage, treason, terrorism, sabotage, national security crimes (permanent blacklist from defense industry), recent violence, lying on application (automatic permanent disqualification), active warrants

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing required all positions (Department of Defense contractor). Random drug testing during employment. Hair follicle testing may be used. Zero-tolerance policy—positive test = termination and industry blacklist potential.

How to Get Hired at BAE Systems with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Research Position Clearance Requirements BEFORE Applying

   Read job descriptions carefully. Look for phrases: "Secret clearance required," "Top Secret clearance required," "must be able to obtain security clearance." If clearance required, do NOT apply—waste of time. Target ONLY positions explicitly stating "no clearance required" or facilities/manufacturing/maintenance roles.
   

2. Understand Your Realistic Limitations

   Be honest with yourself: recent felonies (within 10 years) make BAE Systems employment extremely unlikely. Older felonies (15-20+ years) with complete rehabilitation have slight chance for non-cleared roles. Violence, national security crimes, espionage make BAE Systems impossible. Consider more accessible employers.
   

3. Target Facilities Maintenance and Warehouse Roles

   Facilities maintenance (building HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and warehouse/material handling positions least likely to require clearance. These roles maintain facilities, not work on classified systems. Start here.
   

4. Obtain Skilled Trades Certifications

   HVAC certification, electrical license, welding certification, forklift certification, CNC machining credentials increase value and demonstrate technical competency. Certifications matter for technical roles.
   

5. Apply to BAE Systems Commercial Divisions

   Some BAE Systems facilities work on commercial projects or support contracts with less classified work. Research facility locations and their products—target facilities with commercial work.
   

6. Be Completely Honest on Application

   BAE Systems conducts thorough investigations. Lying discovered = permanent disqualification from entire defense industry and potential prosecution. Answer criminal history questions honestly and completely. Discovered dishonesty worse than conviction itself.
   

7. Prepare Brief Explanation of Conviction

   If interview occurs, have 2-3 sentence explanation ready: "[Conviction type] occurred [year], I completed [sentence/probation/rehabilitation], I've maintained [employment/sobriety/clean record] since, seeking stable technical career." Keep brief, show responsibility, focus on rehabilitation.
   

8. Consider Alternative Defense Contractors

   BAE Systems one of most restrictive due to clearance-heavy portfolio. Consider: manufacturing companies, shipyards (production roles), aerospace contractors with commercial divisions, defense subcontractors with non-classified work.
   

9. Leverage Union Connections

   Some BAE Systems facilities unionized. Union membership or connections to trades unions may provide pathway. Contact local unions representing BAE Systems workers for guidance.
   

10. Have Realistic Expectations

    Even non-cleared BAE Systems positions difficult for people with felonies. Apply but simultaneously pursue more accessible employers (general manufacturing, non-defense tech companies, commercial construction). Don't rely solely on defense contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does BAE Systems hire convicted felons? Very limited—BAE Systems hires people with felony convictions case-by-case for positions NOT requiring security clearance in 2025. 70-80% of BAE Systems positions require Secret or Top Secret clearance where felonies typically disqualify. Non-cleared roles (Maintenance Technician $22-35/hr, Manufacturing $18-28/hr, Warehouse $17-24/hr) may consider older felonies (15-20+ years) with rehabilitation. Recent felonies (within 10 years) make employment extremely unlikely. Violence, national security crimes, espionage permanent disqualification.
   

2. Will BAE Systems hire me with a felony? Unlikely unless felony very old (15-20+ years), non-violent, with complete rehabilitation, and applying to non-clearance position (maintenance, warehouse, custodial) in 2025. Recent felonies (within 10 years) extremely difficult. Most BAE Systems positions require security clearance—felonies disqualify. Apply to non-cleared facilities maintenance and warehouse only. Have realistic expectations—consider more accessible employers simultaneously.
   

3. What BAE Systems positions don't require security clearance? Very limited positions: Facilities maintenance (HVAC, electrical, plumbing on buildings), custodial/janitorial services, groundskeeping, some warehouse/material handling (non-classified parts), commercial manufacturing (rare), shipping/receiving (commercial only). Verify specific position clearance requirement before applying. 70-80% of positions DO require clearance. Target facilities/maintenance roles explicitly stating "no clearance required."
   

4. Can you work at BAE Systems with a violence conviction? Extremely unlikely even for non-cleared positions in 2025. Violence major concern in any workplace, especially defense contractor with workplace security priorities. Very old violence (20+ years) with complete rehabilitation MAY be considered case-by-case for custodial or grounds roles but still difficult. Recent violence disqualifies. Consider employers more accessible than defense contractors.
   

5. How far back does BAE Systems background check go? Non-cleared positions: 7-10 years criminal history typically in 2025. Security clearance positions: LIFETIME criminal history review by federal investigators. BAE Systems as defense contractor conducts thorough investigations. All criminal history should be disclosed—lies discovered = permanent disqualification. Clearance adjudication considers entire lifetime.
   

6. Does BAE Systems automatically reject felons? Effectively yes for security-cleared positions (70-80% of roles) in 2025. Federal clearance adjudication standards make approval unlikely for felonies. Non-cleared positions (maintenance, warehouse, custodial) evaluate case-by-case—not automatic but very difficult. Time since conviction, rehabilitation, conviction nature determine limited eligibility. Violence and national security crimes automatic permanent disqualification.
   

7. Can you work at BAE Systems while on probation or parole? Extremely difficult even if hired for non-cleared position. Travel restrictions, reporting requirements, and probation/parole status raise security concerns even for non-classified roles. After completing probation/parole, employment slightly more possible for very old convictions. Focus on completing supervision before pursuing defense contractor employment.
   

8. Does BAE Systems drug test? Yes, pre-employment drug testing required all positions (Department of Defense contractor requirement) in 2025. Hair follicle testing may be used (detects drugs 90+ days). Random drug testing during employment. Zero-tolerance policy. Positive test = immediate termination and potential defense industry blacklist. Must maintain complete sobriety for any defense contractor employment.
   

9. Can felons advance at BAE Systems? Theoretically yes for non-cleared positions but extremely limited advancement without clearance in 2025. Production/maintenance roles advance to senior technician or supervisor ($55k-$80k) without clearance. Management positions almost universally require clearance—blocked advancement. Career ceiling low without clearance. Better advancement opportunities at non-defense employers.
   

10. Is BAE Systems felon-friendly? No, BAE Systems is NOT felon-friendly in 2025. 70-80% of positions require security clearance where felonies disqualify. Even non-cleared positions evaluate very selectively. Defense contractors among least accessible employers for people with criminal records due to federal security requirements. Consider: general manufacturing, commercial construction, non-defense technology companies, retail, hospitality for more accessible employment.
    

11. What benefits does BAE Systems offer? BAE Systems offers competitive defense industry benefits (for those who can get hired): health insurance (excellent medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with generous company match, pension plan (rare in private sector), paid time off, tuition assistance for continuing education, professional development, security clearance sponsorship (if eligible), high salaries for cleared positions ($70k-$150k+), stable long-term employment. Benefits excellent but accessing employment extremely difficult with felonies.
    

12. How long is BAE Systems hiring process? BAE Systems hiring highly variable by position and clearance in 2025. Non-cleared positions: application → phone screen (2-3 weeks) → interview (2-4 weeks) → background check (1-3 weeks) → drug test → start (2-3 months total). Security cleared positions add clearance processing: Secret clearance +4-8 months, Top Secret +8-18 months (3-20 months total). Clearance required positions unrealistic for felons—years-long process likely ending in denial.

Alternative Employers More Accessible Than BAE Systems

Non-Defense Manufacturing (Much More Accessible):

• General manufacturing (250,000+ U.S. facilities, production workers $15-22/hr)

• Automotive manufacturing (Ford, GM, Toyota plants, assemblers $16-26/hr)

• Food production (Tyson, JBS, Kraft, workers $14-21/hr)

• Electronics manufacturing (Jabil, Flex, assemblers $16-24/hr)

Commercial Construction & Trades (Accessible):

• Construction companies (laborers $16-24/hr, skilled trades $20-35/hr)

• Electrical contractors (helpers $15-22/hr, electricians $25-45/hr)

• HVAC companies (technicians $22-40/hr)

• Plumbing companies (plumbers $28-50/hr)

Logistics & Warehouse (Very Accessible):

• Amazon fulfillment (warehouse $15-21/hr, forklift $17-23/hr)

• XPO Logistics (warehouse/drivers, accessible)

• UPS (warehouse/drivers, union protections)

• FedEx Ground (drivers/warehouse, accessible)

Reality Check: BAE Systems and defense contractors among LEAST accessible employers for people with felonies. Focus energy on more realistic opportunities above.

Final Thoughts

BAE Systems offers EXTREMELY LIMITED opportunities for people with felonies due to security clearance requirements for 70-80% of positions where federal adjudication standards typically disqualify felony convictions. Non-security-cleared positions including Facilities Maintenance Technician ($22-35/hour), Manufacturing Technician ($18-28/hour), and Material Handler ($17-24/hour) may consider very old felonies (15-20+ years) with complete rehabilitation on case-by-case basis, but employment remains extremely difficult. Recent felonies (within 10 years), violence, national security crimes, espionage, or drug trafficking make BAE Systems employment essentially impossible. Complete honesty on application critical—discovered lies result in permanent disqualification from entire defense industry.

REALITY: Consider alternative employers more accessible than defense contractors. General manufacturing, commercial construction trades, logistics/warehouse, retail, and hospitality offer significantly better employment prospects for people with criminal records.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• BAE Systems NOT felon-friendly—70-80% of positions require security clearance (felonies disqualify)

• Only non-cleared maintenance, warehouse, custodial positions potentially accessible

• Very old felonies (15-20+ years) with rehabilitation have slight chance—recent felonies extremely unlikely

• Violence, national security crimes, espionage = permanent disqualification

• Research clearance requirements before applying—don't waste time on cleared positions

• Target facilities maintenance and warehouse explicitly stating "no clearance required"

• Be completely honest on application—lies = permanent industry disqualification

• Pre-employment drug testing required (possibly hair follicle)

• Consider alternative employers: general manufacturing (much more accessible)

• Defense contractors among LEAST accessible employers for people with records

• Realistic expectations critical—pursue multiple non-defense opportunities simultaneously

• Career advancement limited without clearance (management requires clearance)

RECOMMENDATION: Unless felony is 20+ years old and non-violent, focus employment search on non-defense employers with significantly better accessibility for people with criminal records.