About this role
Job Description
What’s it like working for a company that makes a national impact? Inspiring. At BAE Systems, we work on cutting edge innovations that help to support some of the nation’s biggest defense programs and commercial applications. You can be a part of that mission helping to develop manufacturing strategies for new technologies, supporting producibility with an eye for continuous improvement, and helping to develop the pipeline for sustainment activities – all while growing your own career with our team in Space Systems.
Join the BAE Systems Space Systems team in Hudson/Merrimack, NH, as an Operations Program Manager III. For three decades, we have provided high-reliability electronics for critical communication, navigation, and planetary exploration missions across the civil, commercial, and national security sectors. Guided by our mission to "Protect Those Who Protect Us," we offer a flexible work environment that balances world-changing impact with a commitment to work-life balance.
This position focuses on the Radio Frequency (RF) Effects product area, driving the development of new technologies to secure market entry and large-scale production awards. Over the next year, you will collaborate with Engineering to establish a manufacturable technical baseline and define supply chain and "make-where" strategies to support both initial demos and rapid production ramps. This requires extensive coordination across manufacturing sites and the Space and Mission Systems Sector to align work plans, funding, and capital investment. As the product area scales, this role is designed to transition from Operations Program Manager to Strategic Operations Manager, reporting to the Space Systems Operations Product Line Director. This is a premier opportunity for a growth-oriented leader to shape one of our fastest-growing sectors.
General Responsibilities
- Work with NPI to get Operations involved early in the design phase, focusing on manufacturability and long-term production and supply chain strategies.
- Build out the material and labor estimates needed to support follow-on and production captures.
- Own the process from award through delivery, managing material procurement and manufacturing execution, including any Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) or development work.
- Act as the bridge between the product line, program manager, and customer to keep Manufacturing, Tech Ops, Supply Chain, Finance, and Engineering aligned.
- Ensure the final product meets all customer and internal specs while staying on schedule and within budget.
Required Skills and Education
- BS in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Optical or Materials Engineering, AS in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Optical or Materials Engineering with 6+ years experience, or 8+ years of relevant working experience in absence of degree
- Requires strong manufacturing background and experience in electronics manufacturing
- Ability to lead in a cross-functional team environment, with a customer-focused approach, and an aptitude for continuous improvement in saving internal and external customers
- Demonstrated success in implementing lean manufacturing, yield management and resolution of a complex product base, and supply chain initiatives
- Demonstrated experience supporting product development and NPI (New Product Introduction) into stable production environments
- Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to navigate diplomatic conversations across all levels—including factory staff, internal stakeholders, executives, and customers.
- Ability to manage and report status of projects within a project management discipline
- Ability to provide strategic contributions while successfully executing on tactical objectives
Preferred Skills and Education
- BS in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Optical or Materials Engineering and 5-6 years' experience
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.
Benefits Information
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.
Intern
Benefits
Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.
Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).