Job description

Job Description Join a team that delivers mission critical innovation. BAE Systems is seeking an inspiring Product Line Engineering Lead (PLEL) to shape the future of advanced weapons, precision-guided munitions (PGM), and cutting-edge defense technologies. This is a rare opportunity to lead engineering strategy and execution across a diverse, high impact product line that supports warfighters around the world and drives an approximately $2.5B portfolio over the next 5 years. As the senior engineering leader for the PGM and Advanced Weapons portfolio, you will drive product evolution, guide technical excellence, and influence the business through collaboration, innovation, and strategic decision making. If you are energized by solving complex technical challenges, growing a product portfolio, and leading highly skilled engineering teams - this role offers the platform to make a real difference. The successful candidate reports to the Vice President of CMS Engineering and Logistics. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Strategic Leadership • Serve as the senior engineering authority for the PGM and Advanced Weapons portfolio, guiding lifecycle strategy from concept through sustainment. • Partner with the Program Director to define and execute long-term product and technology roadmaps that expand capability, increase competitiveness, and drive sustainable business growth. • Champion an engineering culture grounded in excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Program & Technical Execution • Ensure engineering teams meet cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments across all programs. • Lead preparation and approval of innovative, competitive engineering bids aligned with customer requirements. • Drive design integrity, system readiness, and compliance with engineering standards and safety requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for both internal and external customers. • Foster strong partnerships across functions, including program management, operations, supply chain, and quality to ensure unified execution. • Promote effective knowledge sharing and technology transfer across the enterprise. Talent, Capability, & Organization Development • Identify and build critical skill pipelines needed for current and future product demands. • Establish and track engineering performance metrics that promote accountability and excellence. • Lead a cross-matrixed team of approximately 150 engineers across 4 different locations in the US. • Mentor and develop team members, championing diversity of thought and fostering a high performance environment. Required Education, Experience, & Skills • Active Secret Security Clearance • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field • 12 + years of technical leadership experience of defense programs • Mission/domain knowledge of existing weapons systems programs and capabilities relevant to the business • Proven experience in project management, working as a Cost Account leader (CAM, IPT, Program Manager), meeting technical, schedule, and cost commitments • Proven ability to share and transfer technology across organizational boundaries to the benefit of our customers and the business Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills • Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance • 15+ years of experience • Earned Value Certification 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, 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.

Requirements

Must-haves

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership • Serve as the senior engineering authority for the PGM and Advanced Weapons portfolio, guiding lifecycle strategy from concept through sustainment.
Partner with the Program Director to define and execute long-term product and technology roadmaps that expand capability, increase competitiveness, and drive sustainable business growth.
Champion an engineering culture grounded in excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Program & Technical Execution • Ensure engineering teams meet cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments across all programs.
Lead preparation and approval of innovative, competitive engineering bids aligned with customer requirements.
Drive design integrity, system readiness, and compliance with engineering standards and safety requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration • Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for both internal and external customers.
Foster strong partnerships across functions, including program management, operations, supply chain, and quality to ensure unified execution.
Promote effective knowledge sharing and technology transfer across the enterprise.
Talent, Capability, & Organization Development • Identify and build critical skill pipelines needed for current and future product demands.
Establish and track engineering performance metrics that promote accountability and excellence.
Lead a cross-matrixed team of approximately 150 engineers across 4 different locations in the US.
Mentor and develop team members, championing diversity of thought and fostering a high performance environment.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills • Active Secret Security Clearance
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field
12 + years of technical leadership experience of defense programs
Mission/domain knowledge of existing weapons systems programs and capabilities relevant to the business
Proven experience in project management, working as a Cost Account leader (CAM, IPT, Program Manager), meeting technical, schedule, and cost commitments
Proven ability to share and transfer technology across organizational boundaries to the benefit of our customers and the business
15+ years of experience
Earned Value Certification
Pay Information

Nice-to-haves

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills • Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance

Application prep

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Platform: phenom
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off