Program Risk Manager

Job Description BAE Systems is seeking a Program Risk Manager to support our work as a prime contractor on several high-profile U.S. Navy weapon systems. Our vision of a successful Program Risk Manager is someone who possesses a unique blend of analytical rigor and interpersonal diplomacy, acting as an objective systems thinker with the courage to be a "truth-teller" to leadership. They must be a resilient professional capable of influencing outcomes across cross-functional teams and applying a healthy skepticism to uncover hidden vulnerabilities. With a strong background in risk management, the ideal candidate will deeply understand the intricacies of our program mission, the customer, the warfighters, and the critical weapon systems we support.

The Program Risk Manager is responsible for managing identification, analysis, and mitigation of risks across the program lifecycle. This role ensures that potential threats are proactively managed and opportunities are leveraged to ensure the program meets its cost, schedule, and performance objectives. The Program Risk Manager serves as the primary advisor to program leadership on risk exposure and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Risk Management Framework & Execution
- Establish and maintain the Risk Management Plan (RMP) in alignment with program and customer needs.
- Lead the end-to-end risk management process: Identification, Analysis (Qualitative and Quantitative), Mitigation Planning, and Monitoring.
- Facilitate regular Risk Review Boards (RRB) and Risk Management Board (RMB) meetings and lead risk identification workshops with cross-functional teams.

2. Analysis & Quantification
- Perform qualitative risk assessments to prioritize risks based on probability and impact.
- Execute quantitative risk analyses to determine schedule and cost contingency requirements (as necessary).
- Analyze the interdependence of risks to identify "risk clusters" that could lead to systemic program failure.

3. Mitigation & Monitoring
- Partner with technical and operational leads to develop robust mitigation and recovery plans.
- Track the effectiveness of mitigation actions and trigger "fallback" plans when primary mitigations fail.
- Maintain the Program Risk Register, ensuring data integrity and timely updates of risk statuses.

4. Reporting & Communication
- Develop executive-level risk dashboards and reports for program leadership and stakeholders.
- Communicate risk exposure clearly, translating complex data into actionable insights for decision-makers.
- Coordinate with the program teams to ensure risk-adjusted schedule baselines are accurately reflected in program plans.

About BAE Systems and the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)

Our organization has supported the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) continually since the program’s inception in the 1950s. SSP developed the first sea-based, underwater-launched Strategic Weapon System (SWS), a defense system that is truly critical to our national security. For more than six decades, SSP has maintained and upgraded this weapon system and we have been there every step of the way. The sea-based SWS is the ultimate stealthy weapon system and is the first leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation’s nuclear arsenal its importance to maintaining world peace cannot be overstated. The development of Columbia, the most advanced nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine ever designed, as well the next D5LE2 weapon system is under way and will begin to be rolled out over the next decade. The Navy projects this system to be operational through 2084, meaning the program will have a total life span of more than 120 years. This is a unique program and BAE Systems employees on this program understand they are part of an important legacy.

As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program has remarkable stability and is concurrently experiencing significant growth. Combined, these factors provide ample opportunity for professional growth and development for capable and talented individuals on our team.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelors Degree, with a minimum of 8 years of risk management experience
- Minimum of 4 years support of DoW in risk management
- Experience using the DoD Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management Guide
- Experience with managing risk board and reporting
- Experience using automated risk management tools (e.g., Jira)
- Exceptional communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to synthesize large amounts of data to identify patterns and predict potential failures
- Ability to collaborate at different levels and with cross-functional teams
- Ability to drive accountability for risk mitigation across teams that do not report directly to the Risk Manager
- Ability to present "bad news" or high-risk scenarios to leadership in a constructive, solution-oriented manner
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Certifications: PMI-RMP (Risk Management Professional) or PMP (Project Management Professional)
- Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

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, Inc. 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.