Leads cross-functional engineering teams through the full lifecycle of spacecraft and payload structures, mechanisms, antennas, or mechanical ground support equipment. Manages cost estimates, schedules, technical requirements, risks, opportunities, and project milestones through hardware delivery. Requires system-level thinking, leadership, communication, and coordination across organizational teams. Preferred experience includes EVMS, subsystem breadth, prototype-to-production ramps, and subcontract management.
Job Description
In this role you will lead a cross-functional team to meet cost, schedule, and technical requirements through the entire project lifecycle (concept through hardware delivery) of one or more of the following subsystems: Spacecraft Structures, Payload Structures, Mechanisms, Antennas, or Mechanical Ground Support Equipment.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
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.
Working Conditions:
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
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 Space & Mission Systems
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.
In this role you will lead a cross-functional team to meet cost, schedule, and technical requirements through the entire project lifecycle (concept through hardware delivery) of one or more of the following subsystems: Spacecraft Structures, Payload Structures, Mechanisms, Antennas, or Mechanical Ground Support Equipment.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
- Lead a cross-functional team to meet cost, schedule, and technical requirements through entire project lifecycle (concept through hardware delivery) of one or more of the following subsystems: Spacecraft Structures, Payload Structures, Mechanisms, Antennas, or Mechanical Ground Support Equipment.
- Develop baseline cost estimates, actively manage cost performance, provide updates to cost estimates, explain variances, and manage team to meet cost commitments.
- Develop baseline schedules, actively manage schedule performance, provide updates to schedule forecasts, and manage team to meet schedule milestones.
- Manage team to meet technical requirements by guiding technical discussions, promoting technical collaboration, and making risk-based decisions.
- Manage risk and opportunities by proactively identifying, communicating, and mitigating throughout the project lifecycle.
- 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.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 6 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/SCI security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Polygraph.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with a track record of setting team direction and driving accountability to meet cost, schedule, and technical goals.
- System-level thinking skills to effectively manage multiple projects, integrate technical requirements, and drive success across multiple projects.
- Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and communication skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- EVMS (Earned Value Management System) experience.
- Experience across a range of subsystems.
- Program ramp from prototype through full rate production experience.
- Subcontract management.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
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 Space & Mission Systems
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.
BAE Systems, Inc. San Jose, California, USA Office
6331 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, CA, United States, 95119
Similar Jobs at BAE Systems, Inc.
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Leads cross-functional mechanical engineering teams through spacecraft and defense subsystem projects from concept to hardware delivery. Responsibilities include managing cost estimates, schedules, technical requirements, risks, opportunities, and team accountability. The role requires system-level thinking, strong communication, leadership, and coordination across organizational units. Preferred experience includes EVMS, multiple subsystem types, prototype-to-production ramps, and subcontract management. Work is fully on-site and may involve production, laboratory, cleanroom, and outdoor environments.
Top Skills:
AntennasEarned Value Management System (Evms)Mechanical Ground Support EquipmentMechanismsPayload StructuresSpacecraft Structures
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Leads cross-functional mechanical engineering teams through spacecraft and defense subsystem projects from concept to hardware delivery. Manages cost estimates, schedules, technical requirements, risks, opportunities, and team accountability across the project lifecycle. Required qualifications include an engineering degree, six or more years of related experience, demonstrated leadership, strong systems thinking, and excellent communication. The role is fully on-site and requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a polygraph clearance.
Top Skills:
AntennasEvms (Earned Value Management System)Mechanical Ground Support EquipmentMechanismsPayload StructuresSpacecraft Structures
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Lead cross-functional teams through the full project lifecycle for spacecraft mechanical subsystems, managing cost, schedule, technical requirements, risks, and team execution. Develop and maintain baseline cost estimates and schedules, promote technical collaboration, and drive decisions to meet program milestones and deliverables.
Top Skills:
AntennasMechanical Ground Support EquipmentMechanismsPayload StructuresSpacecraft Structures
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

