Director I - Programs

Job Description Job Description:
Due to the classified nature of the work and the need for close collaboration across program, engineering, operations, and other functional teams, this position is fully onsite.

The Integrated Survivability Solutions (ISS) product line within the Countermeasures & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) Business is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Program Director for the Advanced Lasers portfolio within the Optics & Countermeasures Product Area.

This leader will have day-to-day responsibility for a recently qualified laser product transitioning into production, while also providing portfolio-level leadership for a related product currently in active sustainment. The role will be responsible for driving successful production execution, ensuring long-term product and supply-base health, leveraging commonality across the portfolio, and delivering strong financial and operational performance.

In Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions, we provide next-generation threat detection and countermeasure solutions to provide unparalleled electronic warfare capabilities to enhance mission survivability.

Key expectations of the role include:
- 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 Required Education, Experience, & Skills:
- Bachelors Degree and 10 years work experience
- Experience working with multi-discipline cross functional project teams, utilizing strong communication and collaboration skills to successfully manage transition to production activities.
- Experience working in all aspects of Lifecycle Management Phases.
- Demonstrate visible leadership across the business by leading by example and influencing strategic thinking across functions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with experience presenting to senior leaders and customers
- Business acumen mindset, awareness within and outside the business
- Experience managing Operations performance by monitoring quality, schedule and cost performance of all Operations functions.
- Experience executing Quality Science tools (APQP/PPAP, 8D RCCA, Statistical Process Controls, Lean Six Sigma, Auditing) along with relevant industry standards (AS9100, AS9102, AS9145)
- Ability to work fully onsite in a classified program environment and obtain and maintain the required SAP/SAR clearance level.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills 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.
- Demonstrated 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
- EMD (Engineering and Manufacturing Development) phase leadership
- Experience running 3P Kaizens (Production, Preparation, Process)
- Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certified

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.