ISS Hardware Engineering Section Lead
About The Position
Integrated Survivability Solutions (ISS) is BAE Systems’ premier center for survivability‑focused technologies that protect war‑fighters at all levels from land to air. We design, develop and deliver cutting‑edge electro‑optic (EO) and infrared (IR) systems – from advanced imaging sensors and high power lasers to dynamic pointing and tracking systems. With a pipeline of new programs and a rapidly expanding portfolio, ISS is in a period of accelerated growth and is looking for a seasoned hardware leader to shape the next generation of EO/IR solutions. As a Hardware Section Lead for ISS, you will lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary hardware team consisting of mechanical & electrical engineers. You will scale our hardware engineering workforce to meet business needs through targeted hiring and staffing of our product portfolios. You will technically contribute to programs applying your EO/IR and functional hardware expertise to critical programs, from concept capture through production. In your role, you will have opportunity to influence both strategy and execution, ensuring that the hardware we design is built, tested and fielded to the exacting standards required for survivability in contested environments.
Requirements
- 8+ years of hardware engineering experience (mechanical, electrical, or EO/IR)
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary hardware teams (minimum 3 years)
- Hands‑on experience with EO/IR hardware development – sensors, optics, thermal management, power management, ruggedization, environmental testing
- Full‑life‑cycle product experience – from concept through low‑rate production and fielding
- Familiarity with defense acquisition processes (military & commercial standards, Mil‑Std‑810, DO‑254/DO‑178, etc.)
- Excellent communication & stakeholder management – ability to present to senior leadership, customers, and cross‑functional teams
- U.S. security clearance (Active or Eligibility)
- Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred)
Nice To Haves
- M.S. in Engineering
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance
Responsibilities
- Recruit, retain & develop talent: Grow a world‑class team of EO/IR hardware engineers, optomechanical designers and integration specialists; create career pathways aligned with ISS’s mission.
- Allocate resources: Match engineers to programs, IRAD projects, and technical teams balancing workload and expertise. Ensure right-person/right-job staffing is achieved.
- Set goals & track performance: Establish measurable objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Communicate flow‑down information: Translate company‑wide strategy, customer requirements and ISS‑specific standards into actionable guidance for the team.
- Mentor & coach: Provide technical and career mentorship to develop the skills of our people and help them reach desired goals and potentials.
- Uphold BAE Systems culture & policies: Model BAE Systems core values – integrity, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus – in every interaction.
- Implement the Hardware Development Process: Ensure adherence to our hardware process solidifying the quality of our products we deliver.
- Capture new business: Support the capture of new programs by translating customer needs into compelling hardware solutions, develop winning cost estimates and establish risk assessments to ensure executability.
- Perform technical and project reviews: Chair and participate in internal design reviews for our programs applying your hardware design experience to ensure our products remain world class and programs are executable.
Benefits
- Competitive salary & performance‑based bonuses
- Flexible work schedule – Every other Friday off, core‑hours flexibility, and generous PTO.
- Robust benefits package – Medical/vision/dental, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, and a comprehensive wellness program.
- Career‑development pathways – Access to technical learning, cross‑domain training, and leadership development opportunities.
- 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 leave
- military leave
- bereavement leave
- any applicable federal and state sick leave
- company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
