BAE Systems

Program Mgr I

BAE Systems$95K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in technical/business discipline and 8+ years of Program Management experience
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Proven leadership of high-dollar DoD development programs
  • Experience with competitive capture and proposal development
  • Strong understanding of scope management and cost estimating processes
  • Experience leading risk management activities
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Critical thinker able to navigate ambiguous environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and production-transition programs to meet performance goals
  • Serve as Control Account Manager overseeing planning and budgeting
  • Direct cross-functional teams including engineering and finance
  • Manage subcontractors and suppliers across different regions
  • Execute program planning, change control, and risk management
  • Assess and improve program execution and cost structures
  • Establish and maintain communication with customers and cross-functional partners

Benefits

  • Hybrid work option with a flexible 9/80 schedule
  • Opportunity for professional growth in a defense technology environment
  • Engagement with high-visibility programs and cross-functional teams
  • Access to advanced project management tools and methodologies
  • Participation in strategic customer engagements and industry events
Full Job Description
Job Description

BAE Systems is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex development and transition-to-production programs within the Weapons Systems (WS) Advanced Programs Directorate. WS delivers advanced Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) and Armament solutions for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and OSD Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). This role manages high-visibility programs, drives capture of new business, and ensures successful execution across cost, schedule, technical, and growth objectives. The position reports directly to the Long Range Precision Fires Program Manager.
Location / Schedule / Travel
  • Hybrid/On-site in Minneapolis, MN
  • 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Up to 25% travel


Key Accountabilities
  • Lead complex development and production-transition programs to achieve cost, profitability, schedule, and technical performance goals.
  • Serve as the Control Account Manager (CAM) with full accountability for planning, budgeting, monitoring, and controlling assigned scope.
  • Provide clear direction to a matrixed, cross-functional program team including engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and field services.
  • Establish and manage subcontractors and key suppliers across multiple geographic regions.
  • Execute disciplined program planning, monitoring, change control, and risk/opportunity management aligned with BAE Life Cycle Management (LCM) processes.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve program execution, performance efficiency, and cost structure.
  • Meet financial commitments across orders, sales, profit, and cash flow.


Business Development and Capture
  • Lead end-to-end program capture efforts, including strategy development, competitive analysis, price-to-win alignment, and shaping customer requirements.
  • Partner closely with Business Development to identify, qualify, and mature new opportunities in alignment with CSD's strategic growth roadmap.
  • Own proposal development, Bid Status Reviews (BSRs), and Request for Bid Approval (RBA) processes.
  • Lead customer fact-finding, negotiations, and contract shaping to position BAE Systems competitively.
  • Drive make/buy, make/where, and supplier strategies that enhance competitive advantage and long-term affordability.
  • Support development of CSD's multi-year strategic plan, including investment planning, differentiation strategy, and future capability development.
  • Represent the business at key customer engagements, industry events, and program strategy sessions to build strong customer relationships and influence acquisition pathways.


Program Responsibilities
  • Manage program cadence, governance, metrics, and Integrated Program Team (IPT) leadership.
    Execute formal design and program reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR.
  • Ensure robust compliance and traceability across SDRLs, CDRLs, SOW, and contract requirements.
  • Lead maturation of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL).
  • Develop detailed program plans using SOW, WBS, PBS, and OBS structures.
  • Oversee IMS development and Earned Value Management (EVM) processes including ETC/EAC.
    Identify and mitigate program risks while capturing opportunities that drive cost, schedule, or technical advantage.
  • Assess design, material, facility, and workforce needs to reduce manufacturing and transition risk.
  • Maintain clear, proactive communication with customers, leadership, and cross-functional partners.
  • Perform other duties as assigned/required commensurate with PM responsibilities.


Required Skills and Education

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline and 8+ years of relevant Program Management experience
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Demonstrated experience leading high-dollar, complex DoD development or EMD programs
    Proven leadership of matrixed engineering teams and major reviews
  • Experience with competitive capture, proposal development, and EVMS
  • Strong understanding of scope management, cost estimating, ETC/EAC processes, and operational excellence
  • Experience leading risk and opportunity management activities
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Effective critical thinker able to operate independently in ambiguous environments


Preferred Skills and Education

  • Graduate degree
  • PMP or equivalent certification
  • Aerospace engineering development experience
  • Familiarity with BAE LCM, Oracle/ERP systems, and advanced Excel

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.
Learn more about BAE Systems
Size
90,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1997
NASDAQ

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