Proven track record of leading complex programs in aerospace and defense.
Experience managing other Program Managers and developing leadership talent.
Expertise in full-lifecycle product management.
Strong financial acumen with a history of meeting budgetary commitments.
Ability to balance technical discipline with fast program execution.
US citizenship required due to government contract regulations.
Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, or related discipline.
Responsibilities
Own program performance across diverse military aircraft programs.
Guide products from development through full-scale production.
Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and Program Office leaders.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Program Managers.
Instill a culture prioritizing warfighter safety in all operations.
Promote a mindset of daily incremental victories among the team.
Exercise courageous leadership by addressing technical risks proactively.
Benefits
Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
401(k) with company match for retirement savings.
Generous paid time off and holidays.
Employee wellness programs and support.
Professional development opportunities and educational assistance.
Full Job Description
Job Description
The Opportunity: Director I Program Management (MAS) As BAE Systems experiences unprecedented growth, we are strategically expanding our leadership team within the Military Aircraft Systems (MAS) division. We are seeking a Director I Program Manager who is not only an expert in execution but a dedicated people leader committed to the cultural evolution of the MAS organization.
You will be responsible for leading a team of experienced Program Managers, driving the delivery of complex projects, and ensuring that our military customers view BAE Systems as the undisputed "trusted partner" in critical aircraft controls.
Key Responsibilities:
Execution Excellence: Take full ownership of program performance across a diverse portfolio of military aircraft programs. You will be accountable for financials, schedules, technical execution, and the ultimate metric of success: customer satisfaction.
Strategic Leadership: Guide products through all phases of the lifecycle, from initial development and new business capture/proposal development through to full-scale production.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, and Program Office functional leaders to exceed customer expectations and meet rigorous financial commitments.
People Development: Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Program Managers. You will be responsible for "leveling up" your team, identifying bottlenecks, and attacking problems with urgency.
Cultural Stewardship & Guiding Principles: The Director II will be the primary champion of the MAS Intent, weaving the following principles into the fabric of daily operations:
The Warfighter's Promise: You will instill a culture where every line of code and program milestone is viewed through the lens of the warfighter's safety. You will ensure the team treats the safety of the pilot as a personal responsibility.
Winning the Day: You will drive a mindset of incremental victory, treating every day as a discrete opportunity to win and move the mission forward.
Courageous Leadership: You are expected to lead with the courage to endure discomfort-challenging assumptions and speaking up about technical risks to safeguard the mission.
Performance with Kindness: You will balance high-performance standards with unwavering benevolence. You will foster an environment where excellence is the standard, but arrogance is never excused, treating colleagues and suppliers with genuine goodwill.
The Cosmic Perspective: You will lead your team to distinguish between the "urgent" and the "important," maintaining the mindfulness necessary to react to daily crises with calm, long-term precision.
Qualifications:
Proven track record of leading complex, high-stakes programs within the aerospace and defense industry.
Demonstrated experience managing other Program Managers and developing leadership talent.
Expertise in full-lifecycle product management (Development 12 Production).
Strong financial acumen and a history of delivering on budgetary commitments.
Ability to balance technical discipline with programmatic speed.
Requirement: Pursuant to government contract, this position requires US citizenship.
Required Skills and Education
Required Education, Experience, & Skills:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, manufacturing or other discipline
Minimum 10 years of demonstrated success leading execution of complex electronics programs
Demonstrated ability for building strong customer/ stakeholder relationships.
Highly adaptable with strong initiative
Knowledge of the global aviation market and regulatory requirements and/ or military aviation market
Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans.
Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.
Experience in Earned Value Management and execution
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
Influence & Collaboration: Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial statements and key business metrics.
Preferred Skills and Education
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:
Master's Degree in manufacturing, management, engineering or related disciplines
10 years of demonstrated experience leading a portfolio of programs across one or more platforms in a high tempo, defense aerospace electronics assembly environment
Proven track record of favorable negotiation outcomes and successful program delivery at values >$30M each
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems plc is a British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company. It is among the world's largest defense contractors, with over 85,000 employees and operations in over 40 countries. BAE Systems is involved in the design, development, and manufacture of a wide range of products and services, including military aircraft, naval ships, and land vehicles. The company also provides a range of cybersecurity and intelligence services. BAE Systems has a long history, dating back to the 19th century, and has been involved in many major defense projects. Visit baesystems.com for more information.
