Job Description Test Solutions Software Section Lead (Player/Coach)
In Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions, we design, develop, and manufacture state‑of‑the‑art systems that enable our customers to execute their missions. Our manufacturing lines support critical programs where build, test, and diagnostic software are foundational to production throughput, yield, and quality. We’re creating a dedicated Test Solutions Software Section to bring technical harmony to how we develop, deploy, and sustain test software across programs—reducing downtime, accelerating change, and developing the next generation of factory-focused engineers.
Your Impact- Technical Stewardship at Scale: Serve as the subject‑matter authority for the software powering manufacturing and automated test equipment. Establish a common, reusable architecture that keeps high‑volume production seamless and efficient across multiple programs/sites.
- Production Problem Solving: Lead rapid diagnosis and resolution of factory floor software issues. When the line stops, you own the recovery—coordinating across Test Engineering, Manufacturing, Hardware, and Quality to restore flow.
- Player/Coach Leadership: Split your time between hands‑on contributions (architecture, code reviews, integration, troubleshooting) and front‑line leadership (hiring, performance management, coaching, career development, roadmap stewardship).
The Challenge
You will stand up and lead a cross‑program team of software engineers responsible for the full lifecycle of manufacturing test solutions—requirements, architecture, coding, integration on hardware, verification, deployment, and sustainment. Today, engineers are distributed under different leaders and embedded within program teams. You will:- Consolidate and realign reporting for test‑focused engineers into a single section.
- Define and execute a technical roadmap that standardizes platforms, patterns, and processes across programs.
- Build cross‑training plans to increase bench strength and eliminate single‑points‑of‑failure.
- Partner with Program Engineering Managers and factory leadership to meet schedule/cost objectives without sacrificing reliability.
Roles & Responsibilities
Leadership & People- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of test solutions software engineers; establish growth plans, skill matrices, and cross‑training rotations.
- Perform staff management including performance reviews, coaching, career development, salary planning, rewards/recognition, and performance management.
- Hire to a balanced skill profile (factory support, software craftsmanship, data/diagnostics), emphasizing player/coach potential.
Technical Execution- Own the section’s reference architecture for ATE and manufacturing test software: driver abstraction layers, hardware‑interface modules, test sequence orchestration, data logging/traceability, and deployment hardening.
- Lead teams through design, implementation, integration on hardware, and verification—on the bench and on the floor.
- Introduce and enforce standards for code quality, documentation, configuration management, versioning, and release practices for regulated manufacturing environments.
- Champion CI/CD for test software (build, static analysis, automated tests, staged deployments) appropriate for hardware‑in‑the‑loop systems.
- Integrate test software with factory systems (e.g., build records, serialization, calibration data, analytics dashboards) in partnership with Manufacturing/Quality.
Operational Excellence- Establish on‑call rotations and escalation paths; track and improve MTTR for production software incidents.
- Define KPIs and report routinely (e.g., uptime, first‑pass yield, release cadence, defect density, common‑platform adoption, audit findings).
- Plan and manage the necessary staff, facilities, and equipment for successful execution (licenses, benches, instruments, emulators, labs).
- Ensure schedules are planned, resourced, and executed to cost/schedule objectives; manage risk and drive corrective actions.
- Support pursuit activities—bids and proposals—by scoping test software work, estimating, and articulating reuse strategies.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent experience).
- Experience deploying and sustaining software in constrained or regulated factory environments: configuration management, release governance, change control, and audit readiness.
- Demonstrated success in factory or production support environments—owning incident response, root cause, and corrective actions for software issues.
- Strong written and verbal communication; effective interface with Discipline Leads, Section Leads, Program Engineering Managers, Program Managers, Manufacturing/Test Engineering, and Quality.
- Proven experience leading projects to successful execution (on time/on budget), including risk management and stakeholder alignment.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills - 4+ years leading a software team (embedded or test solutions) through full lifecycle delivery on hardware.
- Hands‑on experience with manufacturing test software:
- Languages/Frameworks: C#/.NET, Python, C/C++, LabVIEW, NI TestStand (or equivalent), shell/Powershell scripting.
- Hardware/Interfaces: DAQ, PXI/VXI, SCPI instruments, GPIB/USB/Ethernet, SPI/I²C/UART, CAN, RS‑422/485.
- OS/Platforms: Windows and/or Linux; experience with RTOS (VxWorks, FreeRTOS) or bare‑metal drivers is a plus.
- Familiarity with Agile workflows, CI/CD pipelines, static code analysis, automated testing, and software observability (logging/metrics).
- Knowledge of signal processing, guidance & control, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop test techniques.
- Experience configuring and deploying embedded OSs and integrating with production testers.
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.
