director software engineering Director of Engineering management · Posted Jun 27, 2026
$173,023 – $294,137
USD per year

About this role

BAE Systems is hiring a director-level Director of Engineering in the software engineering function based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The posting calls out experience with Embedded Systems. Compensation is listed at $173,023–$294,137 per year.

Role
Director of Engineering
Function
software engineering
Level
director
Track
Management
Employment
Full-time
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Department
Project & Program Management
Posted
Jun 27, 2026
AI Summary
Director-level role owning end-to-end strategy, development, and profitability of BAE Systems' airborne navigation product line including GPS modules and anti-jam solutions. Leads program managers and cross-functional team of 900+ to drive growth and integration across military, UAS, and aircraft platforms. Requires general management leadership, advanced problem-solving, strong communication, financial acumen, and high-level negotiation skills.

Job description

from BAE Systems careers

Job Description
BAE Systems’ Navigation and Sensor Systems (NSS) is a global leader in GPS receiver, anti-jam, and navigation technologies for military and commercial markets. From the world’s first GPS receiver to today’s smallest, lowest power, and most robust Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions, NSS delivers mission critical performance across air, land, sea, and space platforms. The Cedar Rapids site houses a 280,000 sq ft state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility that supports high volume production for a full portfolio that includes a complete range of PNT solutions.

The Airborne Navigation Director II will own the end-to-end strategy, development, delivery, and profitability of BAE Systems’ airborne navigation product line (e.g. GPS embedded modules, anti-jam solutions, airworthiness certified solutions, etc.). This position will drive growth, innovate across the portfolio, and ensure successful integration of our solutions on a variety of military, UAS, and aircraft platforms. Leading a team of program managers and supported by a cross functional organization of over 900 people, this leader collaborates with some of the most capable people in the country.

Role Components:
  1. General management leadership skills are a key enabler
  2. Problem solving ability – requires advanced conceptual thinking in complex and/or completely new situations
  3. Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey strategies and explain complex information to the organization and external customers/stakeholders
  4. Strong financial acumen
  5. Developing a product line roadmap and strategy for products that field onto airborne and maritime platforms
  6. Negotiation skills – ability to negotiate at a high level with internal and external customers and partners – strong collaboration skills
  7. Project management of large, complex projects
  8. Experience leading major competitive proposals
  9. Experience bringing products through production
  10. Develop close working relationships with teams across the BAE Systems enterprise and with customers in support of current programs, and to help shape future growth opportunities.
  11. Strong risk and opportunity management skills at a portfolio level
  12. Experience working with defense industry OEMs
  13. Deal effectively with senior level executives, customers, and partners, and resolve customer issues of a complex nature
  14. Potential to advance to the VP/GM level
  15. Demonstrate leadership in safety, code of conduct/ethics, security and culture
  16. Demonstrated ability to lead large groups of employees and/or teams and experience in developing teams and coaching future leaders


Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Role Skills:
  1. Demonstrated ability as a customer advocate with successful resolution of customer issues
  2. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute business strategy in a complex market
  3. Product line portfolio P&L responsibility in a business including multiple contracts and products/services/suppliers and geographic locations
  4. Production and supply chain management experience in a high-volume production environment
  5. Demonstrated ability to successfully lead an organization through major changes using change management skills
  6. Holds or ability to gain a Secret clearance required, Top Secret preferred


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $173023 - $294137

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.

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