Job Description Working at BAE Systems offers an intriguing blend of flexibility, a profound commitment to safeguarding the warfighter, and ample room for personal and professional growth. The environment is marked by adaptability, encouraging employees to explore innovative solutions while maintaining a strong focus on protecting those on the front lines. The company's dedication to enhancing defense capabilities fosters a sense of purpose, allowing individuals to contribute meaningfully to critical projects and programs. Moreover, BAE Systems places considerable emphasis on nurturing talent, providing various avenues for career development and advancement, ensuring employees have opportunities to expand their skills and reach their full potential within the organization.
The Strategic Operations Manager for Test leads modernization and optimization initiatives across factory test environments to ensure high readiness, operational efficiency, and long‑term equipment sustainability. This role oversees capital investment strategy, standardization of test infrastructure, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance yield, reduce downtime, and strengthen production throughput. The manager partners closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve defects affecting cost, schedule, and delivery while mentoring a team of engineers to build a collaborative, high‑performance culture. Responsibilities include driving test-time reduction strategies, conducting yield reviews to identify systemic issues, and championing data‑driven decision making across multiple product lines.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills - Minimum of 4 years’ experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment with Bachelor level degree or equivalent experience in Engineering or STEM related discipline.
- Proven experience leading engineering or test operations teams within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage capital investments, modernize test infrastructure, and implement equipment lifecycle strategies.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in test yield review, defect trend analysis, and driving corrective actions.
- Expertise in cross-functional collaboration with production, hardware engineering, and quality organizations to improve throughput and resolve issues impacting cost and schedule.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, process standardization, and driving test-time or efficiency gains across product lines.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills - 6+ years’ experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment with Bachelor level degree or related STEM discipline.
- Strong ability to influence and drive alignment across engineering, operations, and leadership groups.
- Proven success leading cultural change, fostering collaboration, and supporting continuous improvement principles.
- Comfort with ambiguity and adaptability in fast-paced, shifting production or engineering environments.
- Proactive leadership style with the ability to anticipate risks, mitigate bottlenecks, and stay ahead of operational needs.
Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
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, Inc.BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
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.
