Tactical Data Link Program Engineering Manager (PEM) I

About the role

Our C4ISR team plays a key role in the military defense and operational stability of governments, businesses, and societies worldwide. C4ISR—Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance—is critical to decision-making, threat response, and enforcement of agreements. As nations compete for C4ISR superiority, leadership through innovation becomes a decisive national advantage.

We are seeking a Program Engineering Manager (PEM) to support programs in our Wayne, NJ facility within the Adaptive Communications & Sensing (AC&S) Tactical Data Link (TDL) product line. The PEM provides technical leadership to cross-functional teams through the design, development, fielding, and support of systems, representing the technical team to project managers, functions, and executive leadership. The role serves as the decision authority between the Chief Engineer and engineering team, influencing design, development, test, and verification while identifying and communicating technical risks and opportunities.

This is a hybrid role requiring mostly in-person, on-site work with some potential for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Program Manager, Chief Engineer, and functional staff to develop and deliver products and systems that meet customer needs.
• Collaborate across disciplines, functions, and business areas to support engineering across the enterprise.
• Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and technical performance requirements throughout their life cycle.
• Prepare and approve competitive engineering bids that are executable, meet price-to-win targets, and grow the business.
• Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for internal and external customers.
• Identify and support the development of critical skills and resources.
• Develop and maintain engineering performance measures.
• Ensure proper application of processes based on project size and complexity.
• Establish goals, performance standards, budgets, and staffing plans.
• Improve processes and skills to accelerate program execution and enhance quality.
• Lead and develop team members.
• Interface with Engineering, Operations, Business Development, Contracts, Subcontracts, Finance, and Procurement functions, as well as internal and external customers.
• Account for all aspects of program initiation, planning, and execution (cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, customer engagement).
• Ensure program commitments are met and projects align with financial targets for orders, sales, profit, and cash flow.
• Create new business strategies and develop strategic and financial plans.
• Understand life cycle management and work with various contract types.
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
• Communicate clearly and concisely with teams, leadership, and customers.
• Monitor projects to ensure work scope, schedule, and budget are well-defined and maintained.
• Define, generate, and review project requirements and documentation.
• Perform or guide technical studies to refine project requirements.
• Coordinate staffing needs between resource managers/supervisors and the program team.

Requirements

• Active Secret security clearance (required).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Engineering, or Math with 9+ years of engineering development/production experience, or a Master’s Degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), program scheduling, task codes, program metrics, and staffing determination.
• Experience in project engineering management, including organizational design, planning, estimating, design management, and product verification.
• Experience leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams in solving complex technical problems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including soft skills, strategic thinking, business acumen, team-building, and customer relationship management.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex problems.
• Proven written and oral communication skills, including presentation and team-building abilities.
• Ability to collaborate and coordinate within and across teams, functions, and business units.
• Strong communication skills to influence and shape team behavior and performance.
• Business acumen and presence at the leadership level.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as a Program Engineering Manager (PEM), Program Manager (PM), or Technical Project Manager.
• Knowledge of defense contract types and experience across all phases of the program life cycle.
• Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) in an Earned Value Management System (EVMS).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience in developing product roadmaps and proposal development for capturing new business.
• Structured problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to determine root cause.
• Domain knowledge in UHF/VHF/HF communication solutions, including NSA certification.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $145,049 – $246,584. Individual salaries are determined by factors including business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability, life, and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal plan.
• Paid time off, holidays, and other leave programs (including paid parental, military, and bereavement leave).
• Employee recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Other incentives based on position level and job specifics.

About the company

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace, and security company delivering products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics, pushing the limits of technology to give customers a competitive edge. With over 14,000 employees, ES impacts global security and communities through innovative solutions.