Job DescriptionJoin a team that delivers mission critical innovation. BAE Systems is seeking an inspiring Product Line Engineering Lead (PLEL) to shape the future of advanced weapons, precision-guided munitions (PGM), and cutting-edge defense technologies. This is a rare opportunity to lead engineering strategy and execution across a diverse, high impact product line that supports warfighters around the world and drives an approximately $2.5B portfolio over the next 5 years.
As the senior engineering leader for the PGM and Advanced Weapons portfolio, you will drive product evolution, guide technical excellence, and influence the business through collaboration, innovation, and strategic decision making. If you are energized by solving complex technical challenges, growing a product portfolio, and leading highly skilled engineering teams - this role offers the platform to make a real difference. The successful candidate reports to the Vice President of CMS Engineering and Logistics.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the senior engineering authority for the PGM and Advanced Weapons portfolio, guiding lifecycle strategy from concept through sustainment.
- Partner with the Program Director to define and execute long-term product and technology roadmaps that expand capability, increase competitiveness, and drive sustainable business growth.
- Champion an engineering culture grounded in excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Program & Technical Execution
- Ensure engineering teams meet cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments across all programs.
- Lead preparation and approval of innovative, competitive engineering bids aligned with customer requirements.
- Drive design integrity, system readiness, and compliance with engineering standards and safety requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for both internal and external customers.
- Foster strong partnerships across functions, including program management, operations, supply chain, and quality to ensure unified execution.
- Promote effective knowledge sharing and technology transfer across the enterprise.
Talent, Capability, & Organization Development
- Identify and build critical skill pipelines needed for current and future product demands.
- Establish and track engineering performance metrics that promote accountability and excellence.
- Lead a cross-matrixed team of approximately 150 engineers across 4 different locations in the US.
- Mentor and develop team members, championing diversity of thought and fostering a high performance environment.
Required Skills and Education- Active Secret Security Clearance
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field
- 12 + years of technical leadership experience of defense programs
- Mission/domain knowledge of existing weapons systems programs and capabilities relevant to the business
- Proven experience in project management, working as a Cost Account leader (CAM, IPT, Program Manager), meeting technical, schedule, and cost commitments
- Proven ability to share and transfer technology across organizational boundaries to the benefit of our customers and the business
Preferred Skills and Education- Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
- 15+ years of experience
- Earned Value Certification
