Manager I, Program Planning (Hybrid Preferred, Remote Work Considered)

Job Description

You don’t see it, but it’s there. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics – from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F-35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you’ll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry’s most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you with a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first, exemplified by our missions: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®” and “We Innovate for Those Who Move the World TM.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

Electronic Combat Solutions (ECS) has technology, engineering and program teams that educate and mentor colleagues to deliver leading Electronic Warfare capabilities. We welcome all those who have big ideas, crave innovation, want to drive fielding velocity and have the passion to bring the warfighter home safe.

BAE Systems is seeking a Program Planning Manager I to join the Program Excellence (Px) organization. The Program Planning Manager is a critical frontline leadership role responsible for both direct team management and hands-on support of key defense programs. This position combines people leadership with technical expertise in program planning, scheduling, and analysis. The successful candidate will lead a team of 4-5 Program Planning professionals, while simultaneously contributing directly to program execution through comprehensive schedule management and analysis. This role requires a proactive individual with strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Work Format
This role is intended to be performed in a hybrid / remote format, with the individual splitting their time between our sites in Nashua, NH, and remotely from an alternate work location. For the right individual, a full-time remote format may be considered.

Responsibilities include:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a geographically dispersed team of Program Planning professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Conduct regular 1-on-1 meetings (bi-weekly) and team meetings (bi-weekly) to provide guidance, feedback, and support professional growth.

• Prioritize and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring alignment with program priorities and individual skill sets.

• Manage performance, including conducting mid-year and year-end performance reviews, and participating in the merit and salary planning process.

• Participate in the development of Planning strategies, team objectives, and engagement metrics.

• Drive process improvement initiatives within the Program Planning function.

• Maintain strong engagement with stakeholders through quarterly check-ins.

• Participate in weekly staff meetings with the Senior Planning Manager.

Program Support & Execution

• Provide advanced Planning & Scheduling support to assigned programs, including the development, maintenance, and analysis of comprehensive Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).

• Prepare and deliver insightful IMS performance status and analysis for weekly/monthly Program Management Meetings (PMMs).

• Perform schedule risk analysis, including Schedule Risk Assessments (SRAs), Critical Path Analysis, schedule variance assessments, and predictive performance analysis.

• Actively participate in program Risk & Opportunity and Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) processes.

• Ensure accurate and timely submission of all customer program schedule deliverables.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience in Program/Master Planning and Scheduling, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advanced proficiency in Defense project Program/Master Planning, Critical Path methodology, and Microsoft Project.

• Demonstrated knowledge of US DoD schedule policies, the Planning and Scheduling Excellence Guide (PASEG), and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) requirements.

• Proven experience developing complex program Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) in accordance with program Statements of Work (SOW), Integrated Master Plans (IMP), and program requirements (both PMB & Proposal development).

• Hands-on experience performing and presenting detailed Schedule Risk Assessments (SRAs).

• Demonstrated experience preparing for and supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs).

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional staff members and work teams.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Prior staff management experience, specifically within a Planning/Scheduling function.

• PMI-PMP or PMI-SP certification.

• Existing Secret clearance with the potential to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

• Experience with Microsoft Project Server/Online and Power BI dashboards for data visualization.

• Experience with Agile planning/execution and/or Critical Chain Project Management methodologies.

• Familiarity with scheduling/finance software such as SSI Tools, Barbecana Full Monte, WBS Pro,, Deltek Cobra, MS Project VBA coding.

• Demonstrated ability to make sound, independent decisions while adhering to company policies and procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively present complex information to various audiences.

• Proven ability to effectively interface, coordinate, and collaborate with company personnel, customers, and suppliers.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118747 - $201870

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 Electronic 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. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

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.