Our work is mission focused, solving the most complex and difficult technical and operational problems faced by our Air Force and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. We are seeking a Program Manager who does not simply manage schedules; they act as the primary bridge between cutting-edge technical capabilities and the urgent operational needs of the warfighter and IC.
The Program Manager is the engine that converts BAE Systems Space & Mission System innovation into operational reality. By optimizing the delivery of advanced technology to the Air Force and IC, this role ensures that our customers are not just equipped but are dominant in their operational domains. Success in this role directly impacts the national security posture by reducing the time it takes for critical information to move from the lab to the field.
The Ground Systems & Services (GSS) Strategic Business Unit is responsible for driving business growth in the ground systems development, operations & sustainment, and technical services markets. This business unit focuses on designing, building and integrating ground systems in support of air and space-based assets, providing operational support for mission platforms and instruments and offering scientific and engineering expertise to our customers.
What You'll Do:
- Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of programs, from initial concept and proposal through development and delivery of technology and information.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Air Force and IC stakeholders, translating mission-critical requirements into actionable technical roadmaps.
- Manage program budgets, schedules, and resource allocation, ensuring all deliverables meet stringent quality and security standards.
- Proactively identify technical, financial, and schedule risks; develop and implement robust mitigation strategies to prevent program slippage.
- Coordinate between Engineering, Management, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure integrated program delivery.
- Leadership and Team Management
- Remove impediments to the technical team to allow them to execute efficiently.
- Foster collaboration across the team, ensuring alignment across technical leads and subcontractor teams.
- Act as a liaison between technical leads, product support specialists, customer, portfolio manager, and individual contributors to resolve issues, drive innovation, and meet program objectives.
- Delegate tasks and decision-making to the appropriate levels of authority.
- Ensure adherence to government and company regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Mentorship and Team Member Development
- Provide senior-level guidance and mentorship to project engineers and technical leads, fostering their professional growth and leadership development.
- Champion the needs and career aspirations of team members, driving motivation and performance excellence across the workforce.
- Drive Operational Excellence
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, proactively identifying opportunities to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and drive program execution excellence.
- Spearhead initiatives to capture, analyze, and apply lessons learned from program execution, ensuring insights inform and improve current and future program delivery.
- 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 in order 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 five 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 environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.
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
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 10 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 Top Secret security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI.
- Program management experience within the Defense or Intelligence sector.
- Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and navigating various contract types (CPFF, FFP, T&M).
- Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in leading technical teams and new business capture activities.
- Excellent customer and business acumen.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Superb presentation skills with documented presentation experience to decision making and technical audiences.
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 Space & Mission Systems
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.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
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.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 10 or more years related experience (Master's/Ph.D. may substitute for two years each).
- Current, active Top Secret security clearance required with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI.
- Program management experience within the Defense or Intelligence sector.
- Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and various contract types (CPFF, FFP, T&M).
- Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills leading technical teams and new business capture activities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to technical and decision-making audiences.
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits materials highlight multiple medical plan options with FSA/HSA eligibility, and a 2024 guide references company HSA contributions. Health coverage breadth is emphasized alongside additional wellbeing resources.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is available with employer contributions or match offered by some business units per plan supplements. Company‑paid basic life insurance at 2x base salary (up to $1M) provides added financial protection.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave can be used in addition to other leave programs, with adoption and surrogacy reimbursement available. Feedback suggests bonding leave is available for all parents with additional short‑term disability for birth recovery, though specifics vary by business unit and state.
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
BAE Systems, Inc. Offices
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.

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