Demo

Chief Engineer - Strategic Programs

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Rockville, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 3/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2026

Job Description
BAE Systems is seeking an experienced chief engineer to join our Integrated Defense Solutions team in an exciting program supporting the U.S. Navy’s current and future generations of strategic deterrence. Serving as our portfolio Chief Engineer / Engineering Authority reporting into the Senior Program Director, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technologists in delivering high quality systems engineering products and services to our customers by ensuring the successful implementation of end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle processes across requirements management, architecture and interface management, integration, verification, test, configuration management, specialty engineering (safety, security, and surety), operation, maintenance, logistics, software/tool development, facilities engineering, and information technology for current and future large-scale 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 Chief Engineer and Engineering Authority for the portfolio, you will:
  • Oversee and ensure quality of engineering processes and products across the entire system lifecycle implemented by a team of 600 personnel.
  • Provide engineering and scientific leadership in performing technical analysis, trade studies, research, development, and test and evaluation to lead system definition, realization, management, sustainment, and product support activities
  • Resolve highly complex engineering challenges / issues
  • Identify technical system risks and execute mitigation strategies
  • Champion and implement digital engineering, model-based engineering, automation, and artificial intelligence initiatives across the portfolio that deliver innovative improvements in cost, schedule, and quality
  • Perform operational concept development, feasibility studies, design, development and evaluation of hardware and software for new designs, modifications, and upgrades of Naval weapon systems and system of systems.
  • Provide sound engineering principles and disciplined guidance to ensure successful execution of technical plans and goals while communicating effectively with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives concerning operational and design decisions, technical risk identification and mitigation, definition and achievement of requirements, and overall end-to-end systems engineering process definition and oversight that results in successful definition and realization of large-scale weapon systems.
  • Participate in new business winning activities by developing and delivering RFIs, whitepapers, and proposals.
  • Support corporate best practice sharing across the BAE Systems, Inc enterprise by sharing portfolio best practices for adoption by other teams/programs within the organization and collaborating to bring best practices from other teams / programs within BAE Systems, Inc for use within our portfolio.


Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Education and years of related/relvant work experience required: Master of Science in Engineering and minimum of 20 years of DoD weapon system engineering experience.

Additional skills/experience required:
  • Proven experience successfully leading system engineering activities on highly complex programs as a Chief Engineer
  • Proven experience developing and successfully executing short- and long-term strategic plans that leverage cutting edge technology
  • Demonstrated success partnering with customers to understand critical challenges, shape customer requirements, develop innovative solutions, and manage execution of solutions through implementation.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully lead multi-disciplinary teams in complex weapon system engineering.
  • Experience conducting technology research, analysis, trade studies, solution down-selection, development, and delivery.
  • Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with demonstrated experience communicating with executive and senior customer leadership


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • INCOSE CSEP certification
  • Experience developing and presenting material for external industry working groups, events, and conferences.
  • Experience conducting technology research, analysis, trade studies, solution down-selection, development, and delivery related to Digital Engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and AI/ML.


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743

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 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.

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.

Salary : $153,377 - $260,743

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at BAE Systems

  • BAE Systems Washington, DC
  • Job Description BAE Systems is seeking Senior Test Engineers /QA Controllers to join our team and provide support to facilitate operations on a critical in... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • BAE Systems Nashua, NH
  • Job Description Mechanical Technician IV supports mechanical engineers in the development, testing, fabrication, and assembly of mechanical and electro-mec... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • BAE Systems Nashua, NH
  • Job Description Ready to make a difference? BAE Systems is looking for systems engineers to develop, build, and work on the world’s most advanced electroma... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • BAE Systems Nashua, NH
  • Job Description Ready to make a difference? BAE Systems is looking for systems engineers to develop, build, and work on the world’s most advanced electroma... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Chief Engineer - Strategic Programs jobs in the Rockville, MD area that may be a better fit.

  • STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS Washington, DC
  • This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested ap... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS Washington, DC
  • This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested ap... more
  • 9 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!