Program Engineering Manager I
Merrimack, NH · Manchester, NHFull-time$133k–$226kPosted Aug 5, 2026
Job Description
What is it like working for a company whose mission is “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®”, with some of the most brilliant technical minds, developing the world’s most advanced airborne Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) systems? Rewarding. In Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA), we provide next-generation threat detection and countermeasure solutions to provide unparalleled electronic warfare capabilities to enhance mission survivability. We design and build cutting-edge Advanced Mission Systems for mission-critical applications. As a product-focused team, we're dedicated to developing solutions that help create a safer and more sustainable future for our customers and the world.
BAE Systems is seeking a Program Engineering Manager I (PEM I) to be the Engineering lead for complex EO/IR capabilities. The PEM leads the engineering effort for the entire program, ensuring the solution meets customer programmatic and technical requirements within the allocated engineering cost and schedule. The PEM provides technical responsibility and leadership to cross-functional teams through the design, development, qualification, fielding, and support of the system, including subcontracts. The PEM represents the technical team to program managers, functions, and executive leadership, and provides responsibilities for developing the overall technical solution for a product or system.
On-site support will be required for most tasks, but there will be times when remote work is acceptable.
This PEM I role will be part of a larger PEM team, which will help guide and mentor these developing PEM skillsets and responsibilities:
- Partner with the Program Manager, Chief Engineer and functional staff to develop and deliver products and systems that meet our customer needs
- Meet cost, schedule, and technical performance for projects through their life cycle
- Serve as overall customer (internal / external) engineering point of contact for the project
- Ensure proper application of process based on the size and complexity of the project
- Establish goals, performance standards, budgets and staffing plans
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Requires qualified candidates to hold an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances and DoW Top Secret
- Motivated problem solver with sound leadership and decision making skills
- Experience leading a team of 3-10 engineers
- Experience with cost estimation activities and Control Account Management (CAM) on Earned Value (EV) programs
- Able to lead a team through the design phase of an effort and transition the design to integration and sell-off
- Able to lead a team to determine root cause and implement/test fixes accurately and swiftly
- Able to effectively communicate technical issues to senior staff and identify potential solutions that meet financial and contractual commitments
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- DoW Top Secret Clearance
- EO/IR technology experience
- Previous job experience operating within a Special Access Program (SAP) environment
- Experience developing and delivering within a digital engineering ecosystem
- Proven written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills
- Strong team-building skills that enable collaboration and coordination within and across teams, functions, and other business units
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
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 Electronic Systems
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. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.
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.