Associate Program Manager
BAE Systems
Louisville, KY · Posted October 23, 2026
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BAE Systems has filed 2 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 174 workers, most recently March 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings
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About the job
Job Description BAE Systems is hiring an Associate Program Manager for our Combat Mission Systems (CMS) business and Weapon Systems (WS) product line. The Associate Program Manager will be responsible for managing and delivering scope on our international Mk45 Naval Gun System & Ammunition Handling System (AHS) programs on time and within cost. This role will report directly to a Senior Program Manager who will serve as a manager and coach.
Location/Schedule/Travel: This role is in Louisville, KY or Maple Grove, MN
The workday will begin around 7:00AM
The role works a 9/80 schedule where you will have every other Friday off
There may be up to 20% travel including international travel
The program manager is accountable for the following: Managing scope to achieve cost/profitability, schedule, and technical performance objectives
Performing as a Control Account Manager (CAM)
Establishing program direction for the matrixed team delivering the scope (operations including supply chain and manufacturing, engineering, field service, and/or others)
Proactively planning for activities on current and future contracts
Monitoring and controlling activities on current contracts including disciplined, effective change management
Actively and effectively managing risks and opportunities
Indirectly managing and leading program team members across several functions
Making timely decisions with sound judgment while complying with policies and procedures
Continuously improving program performance including capturing, evaluating, and sharing good practice
Meeting financial commitments for orders, sales, profit, and cash flow
Responsibilities and day-to-day activities within this role include the following: Responsible for completion of deliverables and on-time delivery
With respect to production, manages material for and manufacturing of hardware including final processing, shipment and delivery planning and coordination, and quality and export reviews
Manages operations, quality, engineering, field service, and supporting functional resources to deliver program scope
Partners with project controls to develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and manages program team’s performance to the IMS
Develops, creates, and reports on key program metrics including on-time delivery, material forecasts, hardware production and delivery forecasts, resource allocation, and performance to labor and material budgets
Identifies and assesses performance gaps to customer expectations or program objectives, develops and initiates improvement plans to close the gaps, and utilizes metrics to verify performance to plan
Supports recurring status meetings with the program team and customer and program review meetings with business and customer leadership
Hosts customer meetings at the Louisville factory and our Minneapolis location including coordinating visits with export and security functions
Facilitates and attends source inspections and other supplier/subcontractor meetings and/or visits
Flexes schedule due to time zone differences when supporting customer meetings
Successfully navigates through cultural differences to understand unique customer customs, expectations, values, and priorities
Required Education, Experience, & Skills Bachelor’s Degree and 6 years of work experience or equivalent experience
Customer focus and relationship building skills
Interest in deepening international culture awareness, understanding, and experience
Experience in Project Management
Experience in Scope Management
Knowledge of project management methodologies, toolsets, process, and governance
Ability to develop and implement effective program/project plans specifying goals, staffing, scheduling, identification of risks, contingency plans, and allocation of available resources
Ability to initiate, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to achieve program objectives using a team-based approach that demonstrates the value of each team member
Ability to operate independently and proactively
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills International business knowledge
International culture awareness, understanding, and experience
Graduate Degree
Professional Certifications (PMP)
Experience in Defense (DoD)/Government Contracting
Experience in a Firm Fixed Price Environment
Experience in Engineering/Technology
Experience in Operational Excellence (OE)
Experience in Control Account Management (CAM)
Experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
Experience in Lifecycle Management (LCM)
Experience in Oracle or ERP
Advanced Excel skills
Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $107359 - $182510
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 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.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
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.