Lead Engineer

Job Description BAE Systems is seeking a strategic, growth-oriented Lead Engineer to serve as the Engineering Authority for complex USAF electronic systems sustainment programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the engineering management framework required to execute high-priority objectives in avionics and electronic warfare (EW) sustainment.
This role requires a high level of technical leadership to ensure that engineering processes, design reviews, and technical bids are tailored to the mission while promoting continuous improvement in readiness and sustainment efficiencies. The Lead Engineer will bridge the gap between technical execution and business strategy, ensuring that all products are innovative, operationally viable, and financially sound.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Engineering Authority & Governance: Establish and improve the engineering management framework. Define policies, processes, and guidance relevant to sustainment programs
Technical Oversight: Act as the final authority for design responsibility. Ensure products undergo rigorous design and management reviews, specifically focusing on EW systems and avionics, and certify that products conform to relevant Product Security Engineering and cybersecurity standards.
Strategic Technology Leadership: Develop and maintain a technical roadmap aligned with the Integrated Business Plan (IBP). Identify and track strategic capabilities from industry partners, small businesses, and government entities to fill gaps in readiness and sustainment.
Resource & Talent Development: Ensure functional personnel possess the necessary skills to engineer complex solutions. Develop a technical competence roadmap and implement plans to close skill gaps through targeted training or talent acquisition.
Business Development & Growth: Ensure technical solutions for business proposals are competitive and innovative. Lead the evaluation of technical investments to ensure they possess sound business cases and position the organization for future growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary focal point for engineering coordination across different business units and sectors within BAE Systems, as well as the lead engineering point of contact for external interfaces. Required Education, Experience, & Skills Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate Engineering field of study (Avionics or Electronic Warfare technologies preferred).
At least 15 years of experience managing engineering teams within large, diverse, and complex projects or programs.
Proven experience in Airworthiness and Product Safety.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically with a growth mindset, specifically regarding IBP and business expansion.
Experience acting as a delegated engineering authority and managing the full product lifecycle. Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Certifications: External engineering qualification (e.g., PE, CEng, or equivalent).
Tools & Methodology: Experience with the Atlassian toolset (Jira/Confluence) and familiarity with AGILE philosophy.
Quality & Risk: Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Risk and Opportunity Management Systems.
Domain Knowledge: Experience with USAF Technical Order (TO) development and the JEDMICS audit process.

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 Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

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.