Director III, Product Lifecycle Applications

Job Description
We are seeking a visionary Director III, Product Lifecycle Applications to architect, execute, and sustain the digital platforms that drive end-to-end product lifecycle excellence across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality operations. This senior executive will lead the transformation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Digital Engineering, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Connected Factory initiatives - ensuring seamless integration, operational agility, and strategic alignment with enterprise objectives.
As the enterprise owner for product lifecycle systems, this leader will orchestrate a unified roadmap spanning engineering software, middleware, testing & automation, and supply chain platforms. The role demands executive presence, deep technical and program management expertise, and the ability to influence across a complex, matrixed organization-delivering measurable impact on product quality, operational efficiency, and digital adoption.
Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the sectors to set the enterprise IT strategy and roadmap for Product Lifecycle Systems (PLM, MES, Digital Engineering, Middleware, Testing & Automation), aligning technology investments with business outcomes, regulatory requirements, and cyber resiliency.
• Lead digital engineering transformation-advancing model-based design, simulation, and integrated engineering workflows to accelerate innovation and product delivery.
• Elevate operational performance through disciplined service management: optimize product quality, streamline operations, enhance manufacturing execution, and standardize analytics for executive decision support.
• Drive connected factory and supply chain integration, harmonizing procurement, materials management, and production scheduling with real-time quality and traceability.
• Establish IT/OT standards to ensure resilience, safety, and interoperability across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain platforms.
• Lead cybersecurity-by-design across product lifecycle systems, coordinating risk assessments, control implementation, incident response readiness, and compliance.
• Own support and sustainment for enterprise platforms including incident, problem, change management, and vendor oversight.
• Advance digital factory capabilities-IoT telemetry, edge computing, data pipelines, analytics, and digital twins.
• Champion digital adoption and workforce readiness through structured enablement, role-based training, and change management.
• Communicate complex technical and non-technical concepts to senior executives with clarity and precision.
• Influence across a large matrixed organization without direct authority, aligning to enterprise standards.
• Lead leaders and develop talent across engineering, product lifecycle, and operations teams.
• Govern programs to outcomes through structured project and portfolio management processes.

Executive Competencies

• Executive presence and strategic acumen with the ability to simplify complex concepts for senior leaders and executives.
• Outcome-based leadership with focus on operational excellence, product quality, and digital transformation metrics.
• Cross-functional influence within matrixed business and IT/OT environments.
• Cyber resiliency mindset paired with innovation leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills including executive storytelling and technical translation.
• Proven talent development and leadership capability.
• Ability to influence across matrix to those not in direct reporting line.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, or software discipline; advanced degree preferred. Or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership in product lifecycle systems, engineering software, IT service ownership, or technical program management.
• Exceptional communication and executive presence.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Proven experience with PLM, MES, Digital Engineering, Middleware, Testing & Automation, and supply chain platforms.
• Strong technical foundation in software development, engineering, or program management.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize product quality, streamline operations, and drive digital adoption.
• Experience establishing IT/OT standards and managing platform cybersecurity.
• Experience in regulated industries such as aerospace or defense.
• Familiarity with digital factory technologies including digital twins, advanced analytics, and connected supply chain.
• Professional certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, PMP, or Agile

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Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $200222 - $340378
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.