Job Description

BAE Systems is seeking a strategic, growth-oriented Program Manager to lead complex USAF sustainment projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic execution of programs involving the sustainment of legacy USAF avionics and electronic warfare (EW) systems, ensuring that program objectives are seamlessly aligned with the organization's technical roadmap and long-term business strategy.
This role requires a high level of leadership to bridge the gap between operational execution and business growth. The Program Manager will interface with internal experts in Contracts, Subcontracts, Finance, and Purchasing, while engaging directly with government customers and aerospace primes to ensure that financial, schedule, and technical objectives are met through a framework of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Program Governance & Execution: Accountable for all aspects of assigned program execution, including cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and inventory management. Establish a management framework that ensures high-priority objectives are met while promoting efficiencies in readiness and sustainment.
Strategic Leadership & Alignment: Define program objectives and strategies aligned with customer requirements and BAE Systems' Integrated Business Plan (IBP). Lead cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure that program execution supports the broader strategic technology roadmap.
Customer Engagement & Influence: Act as the primary focal point between BAE Systems and customer program offices, suppliers, and key stakeholders. Influence and shape requirements to ensure that delivered solutions are innovative, operationally viable, and strategically positioned for future growth.
Business Development & Growth: Lead capture teams to position the business for wins. Develop robust business cases for new product development and lead the submission of competitive, innovative proposals that expand the customer base and align with strategic growth targets.
Operational Management: Manage program scope, budget, and critical path scheduling. Oversee the timely start and completion of tasks-specifically prototype fabrication, testing, and qualification-ensuring that technical investments are financially sound and execution is rigorous.
Resource Optimization & Talent Integration: Ensure the optimum utilization of program resources and external partners. Collaborate with the Lead Engineer to ensure that the program is staffed with the necessary technical competencies to execute complex solutions.
Continuous Improvement: Share best practices and lessons learned to continuously improve people, processes, and products, fostering a culture of technical and operational excellence.

Required Skills and Education

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a technical or business field.
• Experience: 10+ years of demonstrated experience leading diverse, multi-discipline project teams in a high-tempo environment.
• Project Management: Proven expertise in program management processes, including program planning, risk and opportunity management, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Contractual Knowledge: Experience with DoD contract execution, specifically within IDIQ/Task Order environments.
• Technical Background: Experience with technical product sustainment (hardware, software, and systems) and reverse engineering/prototyping to resolve sustainment issues.
• Strategic Mindset: Demonstrated ability to think strategically with a growth mindset, aligning program execution with corporate business expansion goals.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong presentation, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to resolve conflict and articulate complex messages simply across all levels of the organization.
• Tools: Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, specifically high-level experience with Excel and MS Project.
• Clearance: Active Secret security clearance is required.

Preferred Skills and Education

• Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Financial Systems: Experience with Deltek Costpoint.
• Process Improvement: Lean Six-Sigma or general process improvement experience.
• Domain Expertise: Familiarity with avionics and EW systems, and DoD acquisition.
• Quality Standards: Understanding of AS9145 quality management processes.
• Customer Experience: Prior experience working with government customers such as AFSC and PAE Electronic Systems.