Director I - Programs
Key Expectations
Lead the Advanced Lasers portfolio, including transition of a newly qualified product into production and oversight of related products across the lifecycle.
- Lead complex program execution through disciplined planning, financial management, schedule management, risk and opportunity management, and proactive resolution of technical and operational challenges.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to Lifecycle Management Program Managers, establishing strong program management rigor, accountability, and predictable execution across the portfolio.
- Maintain long‑term product health through proactive supplier surveillance, risk mitigation, and effective use of commonality across the portfolio.
- Grow the existing portfolio by expanding product adoption across additional customers, platforms, and missions.
- Shape the next generation of the portfolio through technology roadmaps, investment strategy, customer‑funded maturation, and future capture opportunities, while building a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant work experience.
- Experience working with multi‑discipline cross‑functional project teams and managing transition to production activities.
- Experience in all phases of Lifecycle Management.
- Demonstrated visible leadership across the business, influencing strategic thinking across functions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leaders and customers.
- Business‑acumen mindset with awareness of internal and external business environments.
- Experience managing operations performance by monitoring quality, schedule, and cost of all operations functions.
- Proficiency with Quality Science tools (APQP/PPAP, 8D RCCA, Statistical Process Controls, Lean Six Sigma, Auditing) and relevant industry standards (AS9100, AS9102, AS9145).
- Ability to work fully onsite in a classified program environment and obtain/maintain the required SAP/SAR clearance level.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Demonstrated experience leading complex defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, risk and opportunity management, customer commitments, and cross‑functional execution.
- Proven ability to lead and develop Program Managers and establish effective program management practices across multiple programs or products.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (strongly preferred).
- Master’s degree.
- Leadership experience in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.
- Experience running 3P Kaizens (Production, Preparation, Process).
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
Pay
Full‑time salary range: $153,377 – $260,743. Compensation is determined by factors such as business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Health savings accounts.
- 401(k) savings plan.
- Disability coverage.
- Life and accident insurance.
- Employee assistance program and legal plan.
- Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
- Paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable sick leave.
- Company recognition program with monetary and non‑monetary awards.
- Additional incentives based on position level or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. The company delivers a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support. Its culture is performance‑driven and values‑led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, with a mission to develop breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on communities and the planet.