Program Manager II - Air Force and Intelligence Programs

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.

• 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. 

• 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.