Chief UAS Engineer

Job Description

BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (IDS) business is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Chief Engineer for our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) campaign. This role will lead the definition and execution of the company's UAS technology roadmap and development activities to advance our strategic position to win business, disrupt competition, and accelerate successful execution of customer mission objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in UAS technology, defense industry requirements, and the ability to drive innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

IDS is a Business Area within the Intelligence & Security (I&S) sector of BAE Systems Inc. The UAS Chief Engineer will report directly to the IDS Senior Director for Strategy and Engineering Technology and will be a member of the IDS senior leadership team. The role can be based at one of our BAE regional offices and will require regular travel to the I&S Headquarter offices in McLean, VA as well as other sites and customer locations.

Specific responsibilities of this position will include but not be limited to:

• Serve as the ‘Head of Flying' for the UAS Campaign ensuring each UAS platform, airfield operations, and air traffic services comply with applicable laws and regulations. Establish a flight safety management system that identifies and manages operating risks associated with the safe preparation of the UAS for the safe conduct of flight and airfield operations.
• Conduct thorough analysis of defense market trends, customer needs, competitive landscape, and technology advancements to guide UAS product development—collaborate with business development and capture managers to align technical solutions with market demands
• Develop and maintain a forward-looking technology roadmap for UAS products, ensuring alignment with defense industry trends, emerging technologies, and customer requirements
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, and verification of UAS platforms from concept to production
• Serve as the technical authority for UAS product design, architecture, and systems integration
• Participate in external forums as a speaker, presenter, panel member, or academic collaborator
• Ensure all UAS products adhere to defense standards including airworthiness, cybersecurity, and safety requirements
• Support the development of the IDS Integrated Business Plan (IBP), Merger & Acquisition (M&A) recommendations and assessments, and other artifacts to support key leadership business decisions
• Collaborate with external partners and vendors to drive future innovation—track key technologies and platforms to enable IDS strategic plans and advanced UAS development

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical curriculum

At least ten years of experience in UAS or air platform engineering

At least five years in a leadership role within the defense sector

Experience as a third-party Uncrewed System platform integrator

Experience with Model Based System Engineering throughout a product lifecycle

Familiarization with Modular Open System Approach and related industry guidelines (ex. FACE, SOSA, HOST, CMOS

Proven expertise in market analysis, technology road mapping, and product development

Strong understanding of defense industry standards, regulations, and certification processes

Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing complex product development lifecycles

Understanding with emerging UAS technologies including autonomy, AI, sensors, and cybersecurity

Proven critical thinking, analytical and quantitative abilities

Strong communication skills including experience in developing executive-level presentations

Collaborative work style / leadership presence with ability to effectively interact with & earn trust of peers and senior management across the organization

Project and process management skills, including proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Executive presence--self-starter with a keen sense of ownership and commitment to the work, and a passion to deliver results

Proven experience leading large geographically diverse teams; strong coaching and mentoring skills; ability to achieve results through others

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Post-graduate degree in engineering/technical or management-related discipline

Knowledge and experience working in DoD technical services industry and product development environments

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $147300 - $250400

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.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We are conscious of the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company and know that in order to unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their best, most sincere self and be equipped to thrive. We provide impactful professional development experiences to our employees and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, grow and belong.