Product Line Director - Military Air Solutions

Job Description
Executive leadership for flight-critical high-integrity control systems.

It's about the journey. Every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft takes flight enable by systems that must work - every time, without fail. At BAE Systems, our high-integrity control portfolio sits at the heart of that mission, delivering safety-critical engine controls to the world's leading aerospace partners and more than 600 airlines globally.

Be part of that journey in Electronic Systems where you'll be among the brightest minds, working on the industry's most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first - exemplified by our mission: "We Protect those who protect us" ™. Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

We are seeking an Executive-level Product Line Director (PLD) for Military Air Solutions to lead one of the most complex and strategically important portfolios in CAS. This role requires a leader who brings vision, operational discipline, customer credibility, and a deep commitment to developing people.

This is not a program management role. It's an enterprise leadership role with full accountability for strategy, building trust with customers, developing leaders, and driving operational and business excellence - every day.

The Role:
The Product Line Director (PLD) - Military Air Solutions is the senior business leader accountable for the profit and loss, strategy, and execution of BAE Systems' Military portfolio within the Controls & Avionics Solutions (CAS) business area.
This role owns the end-to-end lifecycle of the Military Air product line, encompassing development, production, retrofit, modernization, and long-term sustainment programs across U.S. and allied military aircraft platforms. The PLD ensures program execution excellence, contractual compliance, customer confidence, and portfolio competitiveness across legacy platforms, modernization efforts, and next-generation military air programs.
Operating within BAE Systems' matrixed enterprise model, the PLD partners closely with Engineering, Programs, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development to translate defense strategy, customer priorities, and technology roadmaps into executable business outcomes-while adhering to all security, export, and regulatory obligations.
Leadership Expectations

The Product Line Director is expected to lead with mission focus, ownership, and enterprise accountability, reflecting the responsibilities inherent in supporting national security customers.

• Full P&L ownership mindset with disciplined stewardship of taxpayer and customer resources
• Mission-driven leadership balancing operational excellence with warfighter impact
• Entrepreneurial discipline within a regulated defense environment-shaping opportunities early and managing risk rigorously.
• Accountability and rigor - sets clear expectations, drives measurable outcomes, and holds self and others accountable for results
• Credible leadership across classified and matrixed organizations
• Strategic judgment - balances near-term delivery with long-term portfolio health and investment priorities
• People leadership - develops high-performing teams, builds bench strength, and fosters a culture of ownership and collaboration
• Enterprise leadership - optimizes outcomes for CAS and BAE Systems overall, not just the local portfolio

Key Responsibilities:

Business & Strategic Leadership

• Own full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for the Military Air Solutions product line
• Develop and execute product line strategy aligned to U.S. DoD and allied defense priorities
• Drive revenue growth, margin performance, affordability initiatives, and cash execution
• Lead annual operating plan, forecasting, and long-range defense portfolio planning

Customer & Partner

• Build and sustain trusted executive-level relationships with US DoD and Platform Primes customers, partners, and key suppliers

• Serve as a senior leader in critical customer engagements - listening first, acting decisively, and delivering on commitments
• Lead resolution of complex contractual, technical, and execution challenges with transparency and accountability

Program & Portfolio Execution

• Provide executive oversight of complex military air programs across development, production, and sustainment

• Ensure performance to cost, schedule, technical, and contractual commitments
• Lead portfolio risk, opportunity, and corrective-action management
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, security classification, airworthiness, and government contracting requirements

Talent & Cultural Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performance leadership team with the right people in the right roles
• Hire, develop, mentor, and retain top talent, with a focus on succession planning and leadership development
• Set clear expectations for ownership, accountability, collaboration, and respect
• Act as a coach, mentor, and sponsor for high-potential leaders across the business

Enterprise Leadership

• Partner across CAS and the broader enterprise to align strategy, investments, and execution
• Lead across a matrixed organization, aligning Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Programs
• Champion continuous improvement in execution, affordability, and scalability
• Develop and execute investment and capital investment plans to support future growth
• Serve as a visible CAS leader within classified and unclassified environments

Location & Travel

• This role is based in Endicott, NY
• Willingness to travel up to 40%, including international travel

What Success Looks Like

• Customers view the Military Air Solutions team as a trusted, reliable partner
• Programs execute with discipline, transparency, and predictability
• Leaders are empowered, accountable, and develop the next generation of talent
• The product line delivers sustained, profitable growth
• The culture reflects ownership, accountability, and high standards

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or complex military systems
• Demonstrated experience with P&L ownership or equivalent business accountability
• Strong background in military aviation programs, product line management, or program leadership
• Experience leading within classified program environments
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the executive level with customers and senior leaders
• Proven ability to lead across matrixed, multi-disciplinary organizations
• Ability to obtain a U.S Secret security clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA or MS in Engineering or related discipline)

• Direct experience with military flight controls, avionics, mission systems, or safety-critical electronics
• Experience supporting international defense customers and FMS programs
• Background in long-term sustainment, modernization, or platform upgrade portfolios
• Experience interfacing with U.S. DoD program offices and prime contractors
• Track record of portfolio transformation, cost reduction, or growth acceleration
• Background in aftermarket, sustainment, or lifecycle support businesses
• Active security clearance and ability to obtain Top Secret security clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $200222 - $340378

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.