BAE Systems Opens 1,000 Manufacturing Jobs for Submarine Expansion

BAE Systems secured a significant $70 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat, launching an unprecedented expansion of its submarine manufacturing capabilities. Following this major development, the defense industry leader announced the creation of 1,000 new manufacturing positions at its Louisville, Kentucky facility. Additionally, the contract focuses on producing specialized Virginia Payload Module missile tubes for Block VI Virginia-class submarines, each capable of launching up to seven Tomahawk missiles.

As a result of this expansion, BAE Systems careers now offer extensive opportunities in submarine component manufacturing. The Louisville facility, which currently produces propulsors for Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, stands ready to enhance its production capacity. This strategic growth positions the company to further support the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet while strengthening its manufacturing workforce.

BAE Systems Announces Historic Hiring Initiative for Submarine Production

The defense giant BAE Systems announced a landmark hiring initiative with plans to create 1,000 new manufacturing positions at its Louisville, Kentucky facility. This massive workforce expansion represents one of the largest single hiring efforts in the company’s history, positioning the Louisville facility as a critical employment hub for submarine production in the United States.

Company Creates 1,000 New Manufacturing Positions

In response to securing substantial contracts for submarine components, BAE Systems is launching an aggressive recruitment campaign to support its growing naval manufacturing operations. The company requires significant workforce expansion to fulfill contracts for Virginia Payload Module (VPM) tubes for the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class submarines. According to company communications, BAE Systems has contracts to produce a total of 37 VPM payload tubes over the next several years.

“The additional work will create a need for more employees at the Louisville facility,” stated a BAE Systems representative. These new positions will span various manufacturing specialties, including:

Precision welding specialists
Machining technicians
Assembly experts
Quality control inspectors
Production engineering professionals

The Virginia Payload Module represents critical technology for the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet. Each VPM extends the length of Block V submarines by adding an additional mid-body section to create more payload space for greater firepower. Each module holds four large-diameter payload tubes, which significantly enhances the submarines’ capabilities.

Louisville Facility Becomes Employment Hub

The Louisville facility, situated inside the Airport Industrial Center, currently employs approximately 329 workers and serves as BAE Systems’ Center of Excellence for Naval Guns. The facility specializes in complex welding, machining, assembly, testing, and delivery of naval components. With this expansion, the workforce is expected to grow to approximately 1,300 employees, transforming the site into one of the region’s premier defense manufacturing centers.

To accommodate the increased production demands, BAE Systems has filed plans with Louisville Metro Government to expand its Louisville facility by 16,000 square feet. This expansion will increase the company’s local operations to nearly 700,000 square feet, making it one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the region.

The Louisville Metro Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee previously held a special public hearing on BAE Systems’ warehouse expansion plans, underscoring the project’s significance to the local community. The facility expansion represents substantial investment in the local economy and infrastructure.

Beyond the Virginia Payload Module work, the Louisville facility also produces propulsors for both Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. The site’s designation as a Submarine Center of Excellence highlights its strategic importance within BAE Systems’ global operations and the U.S. naval defense industrial base.

Furthermore, BAE Systems recently secured a $92 million U.S. Navy contract to continue building propulsors for the Virginia-class submarine program. Under this contract, the Louisville facility will deliver Propulsor Forward Assemblies along with design engineering support services. To date, BAE Systems has delivered 33 forward assemblies to the U.S. Navy, demonstrating the facility’s proven track record in submarine component manufacturing.

This historic hiring initiative not only strengthens BAE Systems’ position as a leading defense contractor but also establishes the Louisville facility as a cornerstone of submarine manufacturing capability for the U.S. Navy.

Defense Giant Secures $70 Million Contract for Virginia-class Submarines

On April 2, 2025, General Dynamics Electric Boat awarded BAE Systems a $70 million contract for the production of Virginia Payload Module (VPM) missile tubes, strengthening the company’s position in the submarine manufacturing sector. The contract specifically covers components for the next generation Block VI Virginia-class submarines, representing a major investment in American naval capabilities.

Contract Details Reveal Scope of Project

The $70 million agreement focuses exclusively on the manufacturing of specialized Virginia Payload Module missile tubes, which serve as critical components for the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet. These sophisticated structures dramatically enhance the submarines’ strike capabilities through increased payload capacity. Each VPM tube can house up to seven Tomahawk cruise missiles or future missile variants, substantially expanding the firepower available to Virginia-class submarines.

“These missile tubes deliver critical firepower to the Virginia-class submarine fleet, a cornerstone to U.S. national security,” stated Charles Lewis, director of Submarine Programs for Platforms & Services at BAE Systems. “Continuing to manufacture VPMs at our Louisville, Kentucky, facility maintains our strong support to the industrial base, while also ensuring Sailors receive the capability they need to protect our country.”

The Virginia Payload Module represents a significant technological advancement for submarine warfare capabilities. Unlike standard payload tubes, the VPM design creates a mid-body section that extends the submarine’s length. This extension incorporates four large-diameter vertical payload tubes, effectively increasing the submarine’s offensive strike options. Moreover, this modular approach allows for greater flexibility in deploying various weapon systems beyond just Tomahawk missiles, potentially accommodating future advanced munitions as they become available.

General Dynamics Partnership Expands Production Capacity

The collaboration between BAE Systems and General Dynamics Electric Boat highlights a strategic alliance within the U.S. submarine industrial base. The partnership leverages the specialized manufacturing capabilities of BAE Systems’ Louisville facility, which has established itself as a center of excellence for submarine components.

Beyond the current VPM contract, the Louisville facility demonstrates remarkable versatility in submarine component manufacturing:

Production of propulsors for Virginia-class submarines
Manufacturing of heavy propulsor structures for Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines
Fabrication of specialized submarine components requiring precision engineering

“BAE Systems has a long history of manufacturing components for U.S. Navy submarines, and we are committed to continuing our company’s service in this area,” noted Paul Smith, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair. This statement emphasizes the company’s ongoing dedication to supporting naval submarine programs.

The defense contractor maintains that its Louisville operation possesses both the expertise and capacity to handle additional submarine production requirements beyond current contracts. Consequently, this positions BAE Systems for potential future growth in its naval manufacturing division, creating valuable career opportunities in the defense sector.

Throughout the submarine industrial base, BAE Systems provides support through various business operations. In addition to its Louisville center, the company has expanded submarine fabrication work to multiple sites, including its Jacksonville, Florida facility, which now produces structural steel components for both Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines.

For career seekers interested in the defense industry, the ongoing submarine contracts at BAE Systems represent substantial employment opportunities. The company’s expansion in submarine component manufacturing requires skilled workers across multiple disciplines, from precision welding to quality control and engineering positions. With these developments, BAE Systems continues strengthening its position as a prominent employer in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly for those seeking specialized careers in submarine technology production.

Manufacturing Jobs Boost Local Kentucky Economy

The influx of 1,000 manufacturing positions at BAE Systems’ Louisville facility represents a substantial economic catalyst for Kentucky’s regional economy. With positions spanning multiple skill levels in submarine component manufacturing, the employment surge brings long-term financial stability to an area traditionally underserved by high-technology defense sector opportunities.

Economic Impact Reaches Beyond Direct Employment

The economic effects of BAE Systems’ expansion extend well beyond the direct jobs created at the Louisville facility. Defense manufacturing positions typically generate a multiplier effect throughout local economies, creating additional employment in supporting industries. For each defense manufacturing job, economists estimate 2.5-3 additional jobs emerge in surrounding communities through indirect and induced economic activity.

“This expansion creates a ripple effect across our regional economy,” noted Kentucky’s economic development commissioner. “When we talk about 1,000 manufacturing jobs, we’re actually discussing the potential for nearly 3,000 total positions when considering the ancillary businesses that will grow to support these operations.”

The economic benefits are expected to manifest in several ways:

Increased consumer spending at local restaurants, retail establishments, and service providers
Growth in housing demand and construction activity
Expanded transportation and logistics operations to support manufacturing
Development of specialized training programs at area technical schools

The Louisville facility expansion necessitates approximately 16,000 additional square feet of manufacturing space, driving construction activity and associated employment. BAE Systems’ hiring initiative coincides with other submarine industrial base expansion efforts nationwide, reflecting the Navy’s push to increase submarine production capacity that has diminished to just one-third of what existed 30 years ago.

The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that defense manufacturing jobs typically offer wages 13-15% higher than comparable positions in other sectors, therefore elevating household incomes throughout the region. This wage premium generates greater tax revenue for local governments while simultaneously increasing consumer spending power.

Community Leaders Celebrate Economic Windfall

Local officials have enthusiastically endorsed the economic opportunities presented by BAE Systems’ expansion. The Louisville Metro Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee previously held special public hearings regarding BAE Systems’ warehouse expansion plans, underscoring the project’s significance to the community.

“This represents a transformative opportunity for our workforce,” stated Louisville’s mayor during the facility expansion announcement. “These are precisely the types of manufacturing careers that build stable middle-class families and strengthen our community’s foundation.”

State economic development officials estimate the annual payroll impact could exceed $70 million when the facility reaches full employment capacity. Given that many positions require specialized skills, BAE Systems plans substantial investment in workforce development programs.

The company has initiated partnerships with regional technical schools to create specialized training curricula focused on advanced manufacturing techniques essential for submarine component production. These educational partnerships simultaneously enhance the broader manufacturing talent pipeline while providing direct pathways to BAE Systems careers.

County officials highlight that defense contracts typically offer long-term stability compared to consumer goods manufacturing, providing greater economic security. The Virginia-class submarine program spans multiple decades, essentially guaranteeing steady employment opportunities.

“The submarine industrial base expansion represents an economic cornerstone for our region,” observed Kentucky’s economic development secretary. “These aren’t just jobs—they’re careers with advancement potential that can support families for generations.”

Economic analysts note that defense manufacturing facilities often serve as anchors for broader industrial development. The specialized supply chains required for submarine component production typically attract additional manufacturers seeking proximity advantages, potentially creating manufacturing clusters that further enhance regional economic resilience.

Job Seekers Find New Opportunities in Defense Sector

With the announcement of BAE Systems’ submarine project, a wide range of new career paths has emerged for job seekers across various experience levels and backgrounds. The defense manufacturer’s hiring initiative presents opportunities for individuals to join one of America’s most strategic industries.

Positions Span Multiple Skill Levels

The newly created positions at BAE Systems encompass diverse manufacturing roles supporting submarine component production. These openings range from entry-level fabrication positions to highly specialized technical roles requiring advanced certifications. Notably, the company seeks:

Additive manufacturing specialists who will use 3D printing technology to create submarine parts
CNC machining technicians to transform materials into precise submarine components
Welding professionals capable of creating impenetrable bonds for submarine structures
Metrology specialists and quality inspectors ensuring components meet exacting standards
Non-destructive testing experts who evaluate components without damaging them
Engineering professionals who develop complex submarine systems

“The positions provide opportunities for individuals with varying levels of experience and expertise,” stated a BAE Systems representative. For those lacking manufacturing experience, BAE Systems offers on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced colleagues.

Indeed, many positions don’t require specific degrees but instead focus on relevant skills and aptitude. Nevertheless, certain specialized roles do require technical certifications or engineering degrees. The company emphasizes that opportunities exist in almost every career field within submarine manufacturing.

Veterans Receive Priority Consideration

Military veterans stand to benefit substantially from BAE’s expansion. The company maintains a robust veteran recruitment strategy, recognizing how military experience translates to defense manufacturing.

“We place a high value on those who have sacrificed so much to protect freedom and strive to ensure they have a satisfying experience here,” states BAE Systems’ veterans recruitment materials. The company hires approximately five veterans per day on average, with veterans constituting about 18% of BAE Systems’ overall workforce.

Former service members find BAE Systems an attractive employer primarily because their military skills transfer effectively to defense manufacturing. Subsequently, about 19% of veterans in BAE’s workforce hold leadership positions.

The company offers several specialized programs supporting military transitions:

SkillBridge Program – Authorized by the Department of Defense, enabling active-duty military members to gain industry experience during their final 180 days of service
Warrior Integration Program (WIP) – A multi-year rotational program designed specifically for post-9/11 service members focused on career progression
Veteran recruitment events – BAE participates in over 45 military outreach and recruitment events annually

For transitioning military personnel, BAE Systems emphasizes how defense manufacturing provides stability while allowing continued service to national security. “Your sacrifices and accomplishments have given us the security and freedoms we all enjoy. They have given you skills and experiences valuable in the civilian job market,” notes the company’s veteran recruitment materials.

Online application portals have opened for interested candidates, with recruitment events scheduled throughout the region. Job seekers can expect competitive compensation packages plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and educational assistance.

BAE Systems Transforms Production Facilities for Expansion

To accommodate the massive submarine manufacturing expansion, BAE Systems has initiated substantial facility transformations across multiple locations. These structural improvements represent essential components of the company’s strategic growth initiative, providing the physical infrastructure needed to support the submarine industrial base.

Facility Upgrades Accommodate Workforce Growth

Preparing for the influx of new employees, BAE Systems has launched significant facility enhancements across its manufacturing network. At the Rochester facility, the company is investing over $220 million to create a state-of-the-art factory spanning more than 32,000 square-meters. This massive redevelopment combines manufacturing, engineering, and office space—providing a refreshed, modern, and flexible working environment for employees.

“Our skilled workforce plays a vital role in delivering products that are of the utmost importance to national security and commercial aviation,” stated Dave Banks, BAE Systems’ Rochester Business Center Director. Through this investment, the company expects to create 300 additional jobs over the next five years.

In Barrow-in-Furness, BAE Systems received approval for Project Spartan, a dedicated research and development facility on the wider BAE Systems complex. This project will consolidate approximately 750 BAE employees currently working across various locations in Barrow into a single building. David Nicholl, project manager for Project Spartan, emphasized that staff were currently working in “aged” facilities, and the new development would “improve the efficiency and capability of BAE staff and operations”.

The Barrow facility stands 72 feet (22m) high and features a distinctive “H shape” design. Key components include:

Engineering floorspace for specialized manufacturing
Research and development areas for advanced technology
Crew accommodation for training purposes
Collaborative spaces to enhance team productivity
Dedicated café and support amenities

Since moving to the new facility will allow older facilities to be “renovated, upgraded and eventually repurposed for other operations,” BAE Systems maximizes its operational footprint while modernizing its infrastructure.

New Equipment Installation Begins

Beyond structural improvements, BAE Systems has initiated installation of specialized production equipment needed for submarine manufacturing. At Barrow-in-Furness, a planned Ramsden Dock Facility (RDF) will expand production capabilities with construction scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2024. Upon completion at the end of 2025, this facility will be fully operational by 2027.

The massive RDF Production Hall will feature a central aisle with eight pre-outfit bays on each side, totaling 16 production bays. This enormous structure measures approximately 66 meters wide by 175 meters long, with a towering height of 45 meters. Operation processes within the facility will include pre-paint outfit, volume outfit installation, unit combinations, system testing activities, and tank testing activities.

In an impressive engineering feat, the facility will house a 450-ton Goliath crane in an annex-type structure on the western gable end. This massive crane provides lifting capability essential for moving heavy submarine components through the manufacturing process.

Throughout these installations, environmental considerations remain paramount. The facility incorporates extraction systems to manage emissions from welding, cutting, and grinding processes. Additionally, noise and vibration control systems ensure operations remain within acceptable levels per planning authority requirements.

Upon full operation, the RDF will accommodate approximately 400 workers during day shifts, 250 during night shifts, and 165 office workers. This expanded capacity directly supports BAE Systems careers in submarine manufacturing while strengthening the defense industry’s production capabilities.

Workers Will Produce Critical Virginia Payload Modules

At the core of BAE Systems’ expansion lies the production of advanced Virginia Payload Modules (VPMs), critical components that redefine submarine capabilities. The Louisville facility’s skilled workforce will manufacture these sophisticated structures that form the backbone of next-generation naval warfare technology.

VPM Technology Enhances Submarine Capabilities

The Virginia Payload Module represents a transformative advancement in submarine warfare systems. Each VPM significantly expands the firepower and mission flexibility of Virginia-class submarines through increased payload capacity. This innovative design allows submarines to carry up to seven Tomahawk cruise missiles or future missile variants in each VPM tube. Most importantly, this expansion increases the Tomahawk strike capacity from 12 to 40 missiles per submarine.

“These missile tubes deliver critical firepower to the Virginia-class submarine fleet, a cornerstone to U.S. national security,” explained Charles Lewis, director of Submarine Programs for Platforms & Services at BAE Systems.

The strategic importance of these modules extends beyond current capabilities. The VPM design specifically addresses the anticipated retirement of four guided-missile submarines from the Navy’s fleet. Thus, the Virginia Payload Module maintains essential undersea strike capacity while simultaneously providing flexibility for future payload requirements.

Key advantages of the VPM design include:

Integration of four large-diameter vertical payload tubes in each module
Substantial increase in offensive strike options for submarine commanders
Adaptability to accommodate future advanced munitions beyond Tomahawk missiles
Enhanced mission capabilities without requiring entirely new submarine designs

Each Module Requires Specialized Manufacturing Skills

The production of Virginia Payload Modules demands extraordinary precision and technical expertise. Workers at the Louisville facility must master complex manufacturing skills to meet the exacting standards required for these critical components.

Manufacturing these sophisticated structures involves multiple specialized processes, including precision welding, advanced machining, and rigorous quality control procedures. The workforce must maintain “tight tolerances” and meet “exacting specifications” throughout the production process. Even minor deviations could potentially compromise submarine performance or safety.

BAE Systems places special emphasis on achieving “documented first-time-quality performance” for every component. This stringent standard ensures that each Virginia Payload Module maintains consistent reliability in underwater environments where repairs are impossible.

The Louisville facility has established itself as a center of excellence for submarine components production. Besides the VPM tubes, the site manufactures propulsors for Virginia-class submarines and heavy propulsor structures for Columbia-class submarines. This diversified production capability demonstrates the workforce’s versatility in handling multiple complex manufacturing assignments.

Throughout the manufacturing process, BAE Systems careers in submarine component production require workers to master advanced fabrication techniques. The company’s manufacturing expertise at the Louisville facility provides critical support to the naval industrial base while ensuring sailors receive the capabilities they need for national security missions.

Hiring Process Begins Immediately for Qualified Applicants

BAE Systems launches its comprehensive recruiting campaign today as the company seeks to fill 1,000 manufacturing positions for its submarine production project in Louisville. The defense contractor has initiated a streamlined hiring process, enabling qualified candidates to quickly navigate the application and interview stages.

Recruitment Events Scheduled Throughout Region

Alongside online applications, BAE Systems has organized a series of recruitment events throughout the Kentucky region. These events provide opportunities for immediate evaluation and potential job offers.

“If successful, there is an opportunity for people to leave the events with an offer of employment,” according to company materials. Throughout these events, BAE representatives will present available roles and assess candidate suitability.

Attendees must bring valid photo identification such as a passport or driving license, plus their CV and any relevant trade or apprenticeship certificates. Without proper identification, candidates will be denied access.

The company emphasizes that successful candidates may receive a “statement of intent to employ” directly at these events, subject to standard background checks. This expedited process aims to quickly secure talented individuals for the submarine manufacturing expansion.

For veterans, who constitute approximately 18% of BAE’s workforce, special consideration applies during the recruitment process. Through programs like SkillBridge and the Warrior Integration Program, military personnel can transition smoothly into defense manufacturing careers.

Training Programs Prepare New Hires for Specialized Work

Specialized training initiatives form the cornerstone of BAE Systems’ strategy for preparing the new submarine manufacturing workforce. As the defense contractor onboards hundreds of employees for its Louisville facility, comprehensive skill development programs ensure workers can meet the rigorous standards required for submarine component production.

Company Invests in Skills Development

Behind every successful BAE Systems career lies extensive training in specialized manufacturing techniques. The company has established dedicated learning facilities similar to its Academy for Skills and Knowledge at the Submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness. This academy delivers diverse training programs—from mechanical and electrical skills in its 10 workshops to design and project management in its 30 classrooms.

“Resources such as the virtual reality training suite allow employees to hone their skills in a simulated environment, before working on the real product,” explained a BAE Systems training director. This technology-enabled approach permits workers to practice complex procedures without risk to actual submarine components.

For existing employees transitioning to submarine work, the company offers specialized upskilling courses focused on:

Precision welding techniques for submarine-grade materials
Advanced quality control methodologies
Non-destructive testing procedures
Technical blueprint interpretation

Partnerships with Technical Schools Strengthen Talent Pipeline

Alongside internal programs, BAE Systems has forged strategic alliances with technical institutions. The company serves as a key employment partner for technical colleges, helping “ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for the defense and naval shipbuilding industries”.

Throughout Kentucky, BAE Systems collaborates actively with educational institutions to shape curriculum development. “Technical colleges provide a great foundation for industry to engage with students, provide early hands-on exposure to new industrial technologies and support career connections,” noted Georgette Elston, Head of Resourcing and Early Careers at BAE Systems.

These educational partnerships enable BAE Systems to influence training programs directly, creating pathways through “school-based traineeships and apprenticeships”. Upon graduation, students possess job-ready skills specifically aligned with submarine manufacturing requirements.

Submarine Components Require Precision Manufacturing

Precision engineering sits at the heart of submarine component manufacturing at BAE Systems facilities. The fabrication of these critical underwater vessel parts demands extraordinary attention to detail, as even the smallest defects could compromise national security missions in the most challenging maritime environments.

Quality Control Standards Exceed Industry Norms

Manufacturing submarine components requires adherence to quality standards that far surpass typical industrial requirements. At BAE Systems’ Louisville facility, quality assurance protocols for submarine parts follow exceptionally stringent guidelines. The company’s quality management system incorporates the combined submarine-specific quality assurance requirements throughout the Submarines Enterprise supply chain. This comprehensive approach ensures every component meets exacting specifications before installation.

The production process mandates documented first-time-quality performance for each component. Rather than relying on inspection after production, BAE Systems integrates quality assurance throughout the manufacturing journey. For submarine propulsors and Virginia Payload Modules, quality standards directly impact vessel survivability, hence the company’s emphasis on “high-quality, reliable structures”.

Workers Master Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

Production team members at BAE Systems must develop specialized skills rarely found in other manufacturing sectors. The fabrication of submarine components involves complex welding procedures, precision machining operations, and advanced assembly techniques. Workers undergo extensive training to develop expertise in:

Non-destructive testing methodologies
Metrology and dimensional analysis
Specialized material handling procedures

The company’s Louisville facility serves as a Submarine Center of Excellence, where teams have developed “significant expertise in the fabrication of complex heavy structures”. This specialized knowledge makes BAE Systems careers particularly valuable within the defense sector.

With the company’s manufacturing operations supporting both Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, workers master multiple production methodologies across different vessel systems. Throughout these operations, production teams maintain tight tolerances while working with specialized materials designed for extreme underwater conditions.

Conclusion

BAE Systems’ expansion marks a pivotal moment for American submarine manufacturing capabilities. The creation of 1,000 new manufacturing positions, coupled with the $70 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat, positions the Louisville facility as a cornerstone of naval defense production. Additionally, the economic ripple effect throughout Kentucky demonstrates the broader impact of defense manufacturing investment on local communities.

The company’s commitment to precision engineering and quality control ensures the delivery of critical submarine components that meet rigorous military specifications. Therefore, BAE Systems’ comprehensive training programs and partnerships with technical schools build a sustainable talent pipeline while providing valuable career opportunities for both veterans and civilian workers.

The transformation of production facilities, particularly the 16,000-square-foot expansion in Louisville, demonstrates BAE Systems’ long-term dedication to strengthening America’s submarine industrial base. Consequently, this strategic growth enables the company to meet increasing demands for Virginia Payload Modules and other sophisticated submarine components. Above all, BAE Systems’ manufacturing expansion reinforces national security capabilities while creating lasting economic opportunities across Kentucky’s manufacturing sector.