This is an exciting new position within the Space Vehicle Engineering department to shape and drive our strategic execution improvements to meet the needs of our expanding business.
The Operations Manager for the Space Vehicle Engineering department will lead or participate in areas that include department operations, department hiring and staffing, training and development, process development, and strategic planning. This position is 100% indirect and reports to the Director of Space Vehicle Engineering.
The Engineering Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
- Be an active member of the Space Vehicle Engineering Leadership team.
- Drive creation and utilization of insightful/actionable reports, metrics, analytics and standard best practices to manage operations, track performance and enable quick health checks.
- Support department operations including critical staffing plan, hiring plan, and talent management. May also include process improvement initiatives, training and development, strategic department planning, cross-discipline coordination, and other strategic initiatives as defined by the director.
- Contribute to Space Vehicle Engineering strategic and operational planning.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
Short-Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 12 or more years related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph.
- Demonstrated experience with Engineering Management.
- Ability to self-start, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to work independently and with a team.
- Ability to operate at the system level and interface to all engineering disciplines and organizations.
- Relevant work experience, demonstrating knowledge of space vehicle engineering with DoW, intel community, and NASA customers.
- Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in relevant business environments.
- Excellent collaboration, influencing, decision making, relationship building and communication (written/verbal/presentation) skills.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Degree in a relevant Engineering field.
- Experience through the full lifecycle of aerospace products from proposal through delivery.
- Prior experience working in and with controlled, classified security environments.
- Prior engineering functional management experience.
- Experience with Lifecycle Management (LCM) reviews.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $173023 - $294137
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 Space & Mission 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related technical field
- 12 or more years of related experience; higher-level degrees may substitute for two years of experience each, and related technical experience may substitute for education
- Current, active TS/SCI security clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI polygraph clearance
- Demonstrated engineering management experience
- Ability to operate at the system level and interface with all engineering disciplines and organizations
- Relevant experience with space vehicle engineering and DoD, intelligence community, and NASA customers
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal, collaboration, influencing, decision-making, relationship-building, and communication skills
- Ability to self-start, work independently and collaboratively, and maintain strong attention to detail
- Degree in a relevant engineering field
- Experience across the full lifecycle of aerospace products from proposal through delivery
- Experience working in controlled, classified security environments
- Prior engineering functional management experience
- Experience with Lifecycle Management reviews
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.
Why Work With Us
We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.
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BAE Systems, Inc. Teams
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.








