Lead Engineer

Job Description
BAE Systems is seeking a strategic, growth-oriented Lead Engineer to serve as the Engineering Authority for complex USAF electronic systems sustainment programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and executing technical work required to address obsolescence and other related issues in a wide variety of avionics equipment.
This role requires a high level of technical leadership to ensure that engineering processes, design reviews, and technical bids are tailored to the mission while promoting continuous improvement in readiness and sustainment efficiencies. The Lead Engineer will bridge the gap between technical execution and business strategy, ensuring that all products are innovative, operationally viable, and financially sound.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Engineering Authority & Governance: Establish and improve the engineering management framework. Define policies, processes, and guidance relevant to sustainment programs
Technical Oversight: Act as the final authority for engineering work performed under the contract. Ensure products undergo rigorous design and management reviews, specifically focusing on EW systems and avionics, and certify that products conform to relevant Product Safety, Engineering and Security standards.
Strategic Technology Leadership: Develop and maintain a technical roadmap aligned with the Integrated Business Plan (IBP). Identify and track strategic capabilities from industry partners, small businesses, and government entities to fill gaps in readiness and sustainment.
Resource & Talent Development: Ensure functional personnel possess the necessary skills to engineer complex solutions. Develop a technical competence roadmap and implement plans to close skill gaps through targeted training or talent acquisition.
Business Development & Growth: Ensure technical solutions for business proposals are competitive and innovative. Lead the evaluation of technical investments to ensure they possess sound business cases and position the organization for future growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary focal point for engineering coordination across different business units and sectors within BAE Systems, as well as the lead engineering point of contact for external interfaces.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Education: Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate Engineering field of study (Avionics or Electronic Warfare technologies preferred).
Experience: At least 15 years of experience managing engineering teams within large, diverse, and complex projects or programs.
Technical Expertise: Proven experience in Airworthiness and Product Safety.
Strategic Mindset: Demonstrated ability to think strategically with a growth mindset, specifically regarding IBP and business expansion.
Leadership: Experience acting as a delegated engineering authority and managing the full product lifecycle.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Experience: At least 15 years of experience managing avionics repair and modification work.
Certifications: External engineering qualification (e.g., PE, or equivalent).
Tools & Methodology: Experience with the Atlassian toolset (Jira/Confluence) and familiarity with AGILE philosophy.
Quality & Risk: Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Risk and Opportunity Management Systems.
Domain Knowledge: Experience with USAF Technical Order (TO) development and the JEDMICS audit process.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $136000 - $231200
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 Intelligence & Security
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.