BAE Systems, Inc.
Director of Strategic Operations - Science & Exploration


Job Description US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED


We are currently recruiting for a Director, Science and Exploration for BAE Inc. Space and Mission Systems (SMS) Strategic Operations (StratOps) organization located in the Washington, D.C. area. The Director, Science and Exploration will be responsible for advancing and advocating for SMS programs and pursuits with the following Washington, D.C.-based stakeholders: NASA, NOAA, OMB, OSTP, and the broader science and exploration community.

This position reports to the Senior Director, Civil Space within Strategic Operations. The reporting location for the position is in Strategic Operations Arlington, VA office.

Space and Mission Systems StratOps works collaboratively across SMS and our stakeholder community to increase our profile in the market. The purpose of StratOps is to strategically position the company within our markets, work with customers and competition to influence and drive the growth of the company and facilitate collaboration across the company.

The Strategic Operations (StratOps) Strategic Capabilities Unit, consists of Washington DC Operations, Marketing & Communications and Strategic Development. The StratOps team promotes and elevates the business within our markets, works with customers and industry to influence and drive growth and facilitate collaboration across the business enterprise to increase opportunities.



What You’ll Do


Work closely and work as an integrated team member with StratOps counterparts, Civil Space business unit, program managers, and business development teams to grow the company’s business across the Civil Space portfolio.Represent SMS in Washington, D.C. for business development across the Civil Space portfolio with focus on NASA, NOAA and other stakeholders as appropriate.Guide internal investments and capability development based on understanding customer priorities.Produce and implement annual engagement strategy in coordination with the Civil Space business unit.Coordinate strategies, messaging, and activities for the science and exploration portfolio within StratOps and the Civil Space business unit team, consistent with company and business goals.Select, motivate, and counsel employees, administer salary and budget programs; ensure employee safety; plan, organize, integrate, and measure work performed within the department.Work and communicate with customers and stakeholders on behalf of current Civil Space programs.Identify new business opportunities, assess policy issues, and track budget processes impacting the space sciences portfolio.Influence and shape future space sciences opportunities.Participate in development and execution of business strategies related to the Civil Space business unit and the broader SMS Exploration portfolio.Develop broad relationships with customers and stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and develop contact plans for SMS leadership.Demonstrate thought leadership in the community, including engaging in industry association activities and participating in events of interest to SMS.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 

four 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. 


Required Education, Experience, & Skills 

Bachelor’s degree, plus 15 or more years of related experience is required.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.Self-starting, lean-forward attitude with a bias to action and a high standard of ethics.Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in relevant business environments with collaboration skills.Experience leading teams.Willing and able to work in a dynamic environment and possess an innovative spirit.Effective in working with people at all levels of an organization and willing to contribute wherever needed, providing leadership to operational activities as well as senior executives.Diplomacy, influencing, communication and team skills.Understanding of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Space Technology Misson Directorate, Space Operations Directorate, and its programs including but not limited to technology development programs and Announcements of Opportunity.Understanding and/or experience working with the NASA Centers engaged in science and exploration.Understanding of NOAA and its programs including future opportunities.Understanding and/or experience working with NOAA.Understanding of the ecosystem of space sciences stakeholders in Washington, D.C., the relevant science communities, and the relevant budget processes.Knowledge of the Decadal Survey process and understanding of the contents of the current astrophysics, planetary science, earth science, and heliophysics decadal surveys.Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical information to a range of audiences.Collaborative and inclusive style and ability to work with diverse colleagues and those working in other geographical areas. Well-honed interpersonal skills are a must. 


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills 

Degree in astrophysics, planetary science, or a related field preferred.PhD strongly preferred.Understanding of the business development and proposal processes is a plus.


Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $208500 - $287500

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 the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. 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.


Arlington, VA