Director - Engineering - Weapon Systems Product Line Engineering Lead

BAE Systems, Inc.; Osseo (MN); On-site; USD 173,000 - 294,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan

Disability coverage

Life and accident insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

BAE Systems, Inc. is seeking a Product Line Engineering Lead to shape the future of advanced weapons and precision-guided munitions. You will lead engineering strategy and execution for a $2.5B portfolio, report to the VP of CMS Engineering and Logistics, and drive technical excellence across four U.S.

locations with about 150 engineers. The role demands extensive defense program experience, strong leadership, and the ability to influence strategy and customer outcomes in a global security

Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance or higher is required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of technical leadership experience on defense programs.
• Experience as Cost Account leader (CAM/IPT/Program Manager) with cost, schedule, and technical commitments.
• Ability to transfer technology across the organization for customer/business benefit.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior engineering authority for PGM and Advanced Weapons portfolios across lifecycle.
• Define and execute long-term product/technology roadmaps with Program Director.
• Lead engineering teams to meet cost, schedule, and performance commitments.

Skills

Security clearance

Engineering leadership

Defense programs

Project management

Technology transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Top Secret/SCI clearance (preferred)

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 Platforms & Services

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.

The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.