Program Area Manager - System Test

Company: Disability Solutions
Location: Rockville
Posted on: May 9, 2025

Job Description:

Job Description BAE Systems is seeking an experienced Program Area Manager to join our Integrated Defense Solutions team on an exciting program supporting the U.S. Navy's next generation of strategic deterrence. Serving as our Program Area Manager of System Test reporting into the Deputy Program Manager for System Realization, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technologists in executing system realization activities spanning system test engineering policy and process definition, design review support, and system test planning and conduct for current and future large-scale strategic missile systems. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team enabling our Nation's technological superiority on strategic missions through development of advanced concepts and initiatives throughout the systems lifecycle. As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program has remarkable stability and is concurrently experiencing significant growth. Combined, these factors provide ample opportunity for professional growth and development for capable and talented individuals on our team. About the programOur organization has supported the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Program (SSP) continually since the program's inception in the 1950s. SSP developed the first sea-based, underwater-launched Strategic Weapon System (SWS), a defense system that is truly critical to our national security. For more than six decades, SSP has maintained and upgraded this weapon system and we have been there every step of the way. The sea-based SWS is the ultimate stealthy weapon system and as the first leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation's nuclear arsenal its importance to maintaining world peace cannot be overstated. The development of Columbia, the most advanced nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine ever designed, as well the next D5LE2 weapon system is under way and will begin to be rolled out over the next decade. The Navy projects this system to be operational through 2084. This is a truly unique program and BAE Systems employees on this program understand they are part of an important legacy. Position Description and Responsibilities:As Program Area Manager for System Test, your responsibilities span program management, engineering management, personnel management, and customer relationship management including: Program Management

• Manage cost, schedule, scope, and risk for portfolio totaling -$15m in annual budget.
• Establish and manage performance measurement baseline (cost, schedule, and scope) for all activities and deliverables within assigned control accounts.
• Conduct monthly schedule and cost variance analysis including corrective action planning and execution.
• Support monthly risk management board to present and obtain approval of identified risks and mitigation plans.
• Lead the development of highly complex engineering estimates and associated work breakdown structures for current and future contracts. Engineering Management
  • Manage execution of engineering capabilities (people, processes, tools) and work products (deliverables) in the areas of system test engineering policy and process definition, design review support, and system test planning and conduct.
  • Ensure the delivery of engineering products in assigned portfolio meet or exceed defined quality thresholds.
  • Manage identification and adoption of digital engineering and agile management capabilities by developing and improving engineering processes and tools to fit the program/mission environment, constraints, and delivery schedules.
  • Ensure engineering outcomes are consistent with established engineering principles and practices and that customer and company technical, system, performance, and quality requirements are met.
  • Oversee and approve technical documentation, data, presentations, and white paper submissions to customers.Personnel Management
    • Functional management over 30+ person workforce to include performance and development objective setting, conduct of semi-annual performance reviews, personnel development and training, annual salary planning, and hiring/onboarding of new personnel.
    • Assemble, lead, and manage high-performance team focused on delivering engineering products and developing innovative solutions to complex mission and business challenges. Customer Relationship Management
      • Establish and maintain exceptional relationships with GS-14 and GS-13 level US Navy customers/clients to solve technical problems and implement solutions of extremely high complexity.
      • Manage Contract Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) scoring from assigned customers to exceed corporate expectations (minimum of 4.0 average on a 5.0 scale).Required Education, Experience, & Skills Education and years of related/relevant work experience required: BS degree in engineering or related field and 8+ years of experience as an engineering manager over programs totaling $5m per year in annual budget and 4+ years of experience leading 15+ person engineering teams. Additional skills/experience required:
        • Advanced knowledge of complex System and System of Systems Engineering concepts, best practices, and procedures.
        • Working knowledge/experience with DoD customers.
        • Experience with technical presentations and customer-facing activities at the GS-14 and GS-13 levels.
        • Demonstrated success partnering with customers to understand critical challenges, shape customer requirements, develop innovative solutions, and manage execution of solutions through implementation.Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
          • MS degree in engineering or related field.
          • ASEP, CSEP, or equivalent certification.
          • Experience implementing digital engineering, model-based engineering, and/or agile engineering techniques.
          • Prior experience working in missile weapon systems, space, and/or nuclear fields.Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $146670 - $249330Please 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 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.Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

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