Advanced Material and Joining Technologies Team Lead

Job Description
At BAE Systems, we don't just build technology; we create the future of defense. As a global leader in aerospace, defense, and security, we are committed to protecting those who protect us. Joining our team means working at the forefront of innovation, where your expertise in materials science and engineering directly contributes to the safety and success of service members worldwide. We offer a collaborative environment where cutting-edge research meets real-world application, providing our employees with the opportunity to solve some of the most complex engineering challenges of the modern era.
Position Summary
The Advanced Materials and Joining Technologies Team Lead is responsible for the strategic management of the team and all activities supporting Combat Mission Systems (CMS) development. This role is critical in resolving technical issues throughout the product lifecycle-from initial design and prototype builds to testing and field deployment. The Team Lead serves as a primary technical liaison, interacting cross-functionally with product line teams, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, the prototype network, materials planning, and DCMA to ensure seamless execution and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership and Innovation

• Materials Optimization: Analyze, research, and design the application of advanced materials and fabrication processes to optimize engineering designs for structures and systems.
• Specialized Development: Apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop metallic, non-metallic, and composite specifications, as well as joining and assembly processes that meet rigorous mechanical and life-cycle requirements.
• Problem Solving: Utilize advanced knowledge of joining technologies and state-of-the-art practices to develop innovative solutions for highly complex technical challenges.
• Analysis and Validation: Lead material property analysis, failure analysis of components, and life-prediction modeling to ensure full conformance to requirement specifications.
• Environmental Stewardship: Integrate environmental impact considerations into the manufacture, processing, and application of materials.

Operational and Team Management

• Staffing and Development: Manage the Advanced Materials and Joining Technologies team, including developing time-phased staffing plans by discipline and skill level.
• Performance Management: Oversee yearly training objectives, manage staff utilization rates, and maintain allocated material and service budgets.
• Quality Assurance: Review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures and ensure all technical outcomes align with established engineering principles and company/customer quality requirements.
• Production Transition: Ensure the accuracy of technical data packages, contract data items, and reports to facilitate a smooth transition from design to production.

Strategic Collaboration and Influence

• Cross-Functional Integration: Lead the resolution of complex technical and business problems by collaborating with program management, supply chain, and manufacturing teams.
• External Engagement: Represent BAE Systems by maintaining contacts with national labs, academic institutions, government agencies, and industry experts to enhance the company's reputation.
• Strategic Planning: Recommend R&D projects that align with strategic business objectives and advise management on evolving organizational needs and technical competencies.
• Proposal Support: Guide and oversee the technical portions of proposals within your area of expertise.
• Customer Relations: Prepare and defend technical results and recommendations during formal reviews with customers.

Compliance and Safety

• Systems Approach: Apply a holistic systems approach to resolve conflicts within subsystems for the benefit of overall system performance, cost, and quality.
• Safety Leadership: Maintain a safe working environment and ensure strict compliance with all safety objectives and policies.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Typically a Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Materials Joining, Weld Engineering or related field and 8 years work experience.
• In-depth knowledge of products and advanced knowledge of materials and Research and Development; advanced knowledge of engineering principles and practices in area of expertise.
• In-depth skill using current computer applications and technologies in applicable engineering disciplines.
• Ability to identify, define, interpret and resolve engineering problems involving conflicting design/contractual/policy or technical requirements across functional areas and with difficult coordination requirements.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, papers, presentations and deliver them in written and oral form to customers, industry leaders and senior management.
• This role requires regular presence in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. The incumbent must be able to access and safely navigate production areas which may include climbing, kneeling, stooping, and working in confined spaces. Must also be able to comply with all requirements including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with company policy.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Specialized technical knowledge military ground vehicle platforms / systems and their relevant design standards. Specialized technical knowledge in material science, material joining technologies and advanced manufacturing techniques used in military weapon systems.
• Experience working in prototype development.
• Experience working with suppliers and supporting multiple programs.
• Direct people management experience.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $145049 - $246584
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 Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.