ISS Hardware Engineering Section Lead

Job Description About the Team
Integrated Survivability Solutions (ISS) is BAE Systems’ premier center for survivability‑focused technologies that protect war‑fighters at all levels from land to air. We design, develop and deliver cutting‑edge electro‑optic (EO) and infrared (IR) systems – from advanced imaging sensors and high power lasers to dynamic pointing and tracking systems. With a pipeline of new programs and a rapidly expanding portfolio, ISS is in a period of accelerated growth and is looking for a seasoned hardware leader to shape the next generation of EO/IR solutions.
What’s the Role
As a Hardware Section Lead for ISS, you will:

- Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary hardware team consisting of mechanical & electrical engineers
- Scale our hardware engineering workforce to meet business needs through targeted hiring and staffing of our product portfolios
- Technically contribute to programs applying your EO/IR and functional hardware expertise to critical programs, from concept capture through production.
In your role, you will have opportunity to influence both strategy and execution , ensuring that the hardware we design is built, tested and fielded to the exacting standards required for survivability in contested environments.

What You’ll Do
Responsibility What It Means Recruit, retain & develop talent Grow a world‑class team of EO/IR hardware engineers, optomechanical designers and integration specialists; create career pathways aligned with ISS’s mission. Allocate resources Match engineers to programs, IRAD projects, and technical teams balancing workload and expertise. Ensure right-person/right-job staffing is achieved. Set goals & track performance Establish measurable objectives and conduct regular performance reviews. Communicate flow‑down information Translate company‑wide strategy, customer requirements and ISS‑specific standards into actionable guidance for the team. Mentor & coach Provide technical and career mentorship to develop the skills of our people and help them reach desired goals and potentials Uphold BAE Systems culture & policies Model BAE Systems core values – integrity, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus – in every interaction Implement the Hardware Development Process Ensure adherence to our hardware process solidifying the quality of our products we deliver Capture new business Support the capture of new programs by translating customer needs into compelling hardware solutions, develop winning cost estimates and establish risk assessments to ensure executabilit Perform technical and project reviews Chair and participate in internal design reviews for our programs applying your hardware design experience to ensure our products remain world class and programs are executable
What We Offer
- Hybrid onsite environment – Full‑time work at our ISS facilities (location: New Hampshire ) to enable rapid, in‑person collaboration on hardware prototypes and test rigs.
- Competitive salary & performance‑based bonuses – Aligned with market and individual contribution.
- Flexible work schedule – Every other Friday off, core‑hours flexibility, and generous PTO.
- Robust benefits package – Medical/vision/dental, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, and a comprehensive wellness program.
- Career‑development pathways – Access to technical learning, cross‑domain training, and leadership development opportunities.

Join ISS – Protect Those Who Protect Us
If you are passionate about turning cutting‑edge EO/IR science into survivable hardware that empowers warfighters across every domain, we want you on our team. Bring your vision, technical depth, and leadership talent to BAE Systems ISS and help shape the future of survivability solutions.

Apply today – your next challenge awaits!
BAE Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills What You Bring Requirement Why It Matters 8+ years of hardware engineering experience (mechanical, electrical, or EO/IR) Deep technical grounding required for high‑performance EO/IR systems. Proven leadership of multidisciplinary hardware teams (minimum 3 years) Ability to mentor engineers and manage resources across multiple domains. Hands‑on experience with EO/IR hardware development – sensors, optics, thermal management, power management, ruggedization, environmental testing Direct relevance to ISS’s product suite. Full‑life‑cycle product experience – from concept through low‑rate production and fielding Ensures smooth transition from lab to warfighter. Familiarity with defense acquisition processes (military & commercial standards, Mil‑Std‑810, DO‑254/DO‑178, etc.) Critical for compliance and successful program delivery. Excellent communication & stakeholder management – ability to present to senior leadership, customers, and cross‑functional teams Drives alignment and clear decision‑making. U.S. security clearance (Active or Eligibility) Required for classified EO/IR program work. Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred) Technical foundation for complex EO/IR hardware. Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- M.S. in Engineering
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743

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 Electronic Systems 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.