Executive Compensation Principal

BAE Systems Plc•Falls Church, VA

47d•$116,419 - $197,912

About The Position

What is a career like at BAE Systems? Remarkable. At BAE Systems, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important. BAE Systems, Inc. is looking for a strategic and highly driven Executive Compensation Principal to join our team. The Principal, Executive Compensation serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert in the design, administration, and governance of executive pay programs. This role partners closely with senior HR leaders, Finance, Legal, and the Compensation Committee to ensure the organization's executive compensation strategy attracts, retains, and motivates key leadership talent while maintaining market competitiveness, pay-for-performance alignment, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of prior relevant experience;
Proven in communicating sensitive information and having the ability to influence beliefs or opinions with leadership and business units;
Strong experience with executive compensation programs and incentive plan administration required;
Strong understanding of state and federal laws and regulations as they apply to compensation programs;
Strong quantitative and analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of compensation administration;
Strong knowledge of MS Word, Excel and HRIS Systems.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in a related field and a minimum of 6+ years' experience OR in absence of a degree, 12+ years of relevant experience is required;
Human Resources or Business-related Degree Preferred;
Experience working in a large matrixed and global organization, manufacturing, aerospace, defense and/or high-tech/engineering;
Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory and legislative factors impacting compensation & rewards programs including the FLSA, Service Contract Act, and Davis-Bacon Act;
World at Work Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Global Remuneration Professional (GRP), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR), and/or SHRM SCP highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and continuous improvement of executive compensation programs, including base salary, annual incentive plans (AIP/STI) and long-term incentive (LTI) plans.
Conduct market benchmarking using executive compensation survey data and proxy/peer group analyses to support competitive and equitable pay decisions.
Evaluate and model pay-for-performance and total compensation outcomes, including scenario analyses for compensation committee discussions.
Provide strategic guidance on executive talent moves (promotions, new hires, retention risks, succession candidates).
Support development of materials for Compensation Committee meetings, including analytics, recommendations, and narrative storyline.
Maintain governance documentation, plan documents, administrative guidelines, and audit controls.
Collaborate with Legal and Equity Administration to manage grant cycles, participant communications, vesting schedules, and tax/regulatory impacts.
Prepare executive-level dashboards, talking points, and educational materials to communicate plan mechanics and total rewards value.
Advise HR Business Partners and People Leaders on executive compensation decisions and policies.
Coordinate with external advisors and consultants for benchmarking, peer analysis, and committee support.

Benefits

health, dental, and vision insurance
health savings accounts
a 401(k) savings plan
disability coverage
life and accident insurance
employee assistance program
a legal plan
discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance
paid time off
paid holidays
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.