Production Execution Manager III - Rate Manufacturing

Job Description

At BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS) Westminster, Colorado location, we develop and manufacture state-of-the-art RF and sensor technologies integrated into tactical missile and aircraft platforms. We are seeking a mid- to senior-level manufacturing leader to own execution across rate manufacturing, leading a team of approximately 160 technicians and 5-7 Production Managers.

This role is accountable for disciplined execution aligned to customer value, while simultaneously developing production managers, supervisors and technicians to think, problem-solve, and own their work. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience operating within a lean management system and understands that standards, daily management, and leader behaviors are the foundation for learning, continuous improvement, and creating value.

This leader will use Tier 1 daily management, regular Gemba, and structured problem solving to make problems visible, develop people's thinking, and improve customer value over time. Lean principles are applied through daily practice and used to build capability, accountability, and a culture where experimentation, learning, and incremental improvement drive results. Respect for people, curiosity, collaboration, and fact-based observation are essential to success in this role.

The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution - from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.

What You'll Do:

• Own execution outcomes for the rate manufacturing area, including safety, quality, delivery, and labor performance.
• Lead and sustain Tier 1 Daily Management meetings, ensuring the floor:
  • Clearly understands the plan.
  • Sees abnormalities immediately.
  • Responds effectively and consistently.
• Establish and reinforce discipline in daily execution, including adherence to standard work, escalation routines, and follow-up.
• Develop production managers, to lead supervisors, to lead technicians who own their work, run disciplined Tier 1 meetings, surface problems early, and continuously improve processes.
• Ensure production managers, supervisors, and technicians clearly understand customer value, how their work creates it, and how deviations from standard threaten it.
• Translate Hoshin objectives and SBU priorities into clear, stable, and executable daily expectations at the floor level.
• Apply PDCA thinking within daily management to move from current conditions to improved stability, capability, and flow.
• Reinforce a culture where problems are expected, visible, and owned, and where small experiments and iterative learning are embraced.
• Act as the primary customer of support functions (MfgE, Quality, IE, Planning), clearly defining needs based on observed execution gaps.
• Partner with support functions to remove barriers to execution without transferring ownership away from the floor.
• Protect the floor from unplanned work, conflicting priorities, and disruptions that compromise execution.
• Go to Gemba regularly to observe work as performed, coach production managers in real time, and verify standards are understood and applied.
• Communicate expectations clearly and consistently so production managers, supervisors, and technicians understand priorities, roles, and accountability.
• Manage and develop a team of production managers, responsible for leading supervisors and sustaining disciplined daily execution while fostering problem-solving and learning.
• 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 environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Short Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 12 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.
• Demonstrated experience owning production execution and holding teams accountable for outcomes.
• Proven ability to establish and sustain discipline in daily execution while maintaining respect for people.
• Demonstrated success developing production managers and supervisors who can lead technicians through daily management, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Practical experience operating within a lean management system (Hoshin Kanri, Daily Management, and structured problem solving).
• Comfort spending significant time at the floor level (Gemba), observing, coaching, and reinforcing standards.
• Ability to clearly define expectations, reinforce accountability, and address gaps consistently.
• Excellent judgment in escalating problems based on severity and scope, not urgency or convenience.
• Experience working cross-functionally with support organizations while maintaining execution ownership.

#LI-JL2
A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $138267 - $235053

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 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.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

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.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.