Program Manager

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 Education, Experience, & Skills

• 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 Education, Experience, & Skills

• 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.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $136000 - $231200

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.


Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.