Product Strategy Engineering Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Engineering Lead
Company: BAE Systems
Location: Warton, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering Management & Leadership / Product Strategy
Date Posted: 2026-02-20T09:33:10.479
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the integration engineering efforts for Typhoon Product Strategy development, ensuring alignment with quality, timeliness, and performance objectives.
• Drive the strategic roadmap for Typhoon product development by synthesizing inputs from diverse stakeholders and managing its ongoing upkeep.
• Lead and foster the growth of a dedicated engineering team focused on documenting and maintaining the company's strategic approach to Typhoon's future capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with Technical Management Teams and SDUs to identify and articulate future enhancement opportunities for Typhoon through detailed reports and white papers.
• Play a pivotal role in defining and overseeing product strategy and technical management activities within the concept development and demonstration lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within BAE Systems' Typhoon product development, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise in systems engineering and architecture, coupled with strong people management and strategic planning capabilities. The emphasis on "Product Strategy" and "Roadmap Management" indicates a GTM-adjacent operations focus, where engineering strategy directly informs future product offerings and market positioning. The mention of "stakeholder management" and "business case development" further solidifies its connection to strategic planning and cross-functional alignment, common in advanced GTM operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary integration engineering point of contact for all Typhoon Product Strategy development initiatives, ensuring adherence to stringent quality, timeliness, and performance metrics.
• Proactively manage and maintain the Typhoon Product Strategy roadmap, incorporating critical inputs and feedback from a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively support and contribute to the evolution of the Typhoon Product Strategy through consistent and effective engagement with key business and technical stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive reports and white papers that articulate strategic approaches for key focus areas identified by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), influencing future business direction.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Typhoon Product Strategy engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional growth.
• Review, agree upon, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the Typhoon Product Routemap, verifying it meets all specified requirements for quality, timeliness, and performance.
• Collaborate closely with Technical Management Teams and Sector Development Units (SDUs) to identify and document potential future approaches for enhancing Typhoon's capabilities, translating these into actionable strategies for business consideration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant operational leadership component, focusing on strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and team leadership. The emphasis on "managing the upkeep of the roadmap," "supporting development through engagement," and "documenting output in reports/whitepapers" points to a strong need for process management, strategic documentation, and stakeholder communication, which are core to GTM operations and revenue operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Ideally, a recognized higher-level qualification in a STEM subject.
• Preference for candidates who have or are actively pursuing professional registration (IEng, CEng).

Experience:

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in systems and software architecting.
• Proven practical application of robust Systems Engineering practices across the entire product lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on early concept development, architecture development, and integration phases.
• Demonstrated ability to capture and manage requirements effectively within ill-defined and rapidly changing environments.
• Significant experience in managing people through periods of rapid change and nurturing teams for sustained growth and performance.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively and effectively with both internal and external partners.
• Expertise in Engineering Management and the development of Technical Artefacts.
• Strong experience in business case development and presentation to senior stakeholders.

Required Skills:

• Systems and Software Architecting: Ability to design and define complex system and software architectures.
• Systems Engineering Lifecycle Management: Deep understanding and practical application of SE principles from concept to integration.
• Requirements Capture and Management: Skill in eliciting, documenting, and managing requirements in dynamic settings.
• People Management & Team Development: Experience leading, mentoring, and growing engineering teams.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Proficiency in working effectively with diverse internal and external parties.
• Engineering Management: Competence in overseeing engineering activities and teams.
• Technical Artefacts Development: Ability to create and manage essential engineering documentation.
• Business Case Development: Skill in justifying strategic initiatives through comprehensive business cases.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Aircraft Systems: Familiarity with the specific systems and complexities of aircraft platforms.
• Professional Registration (IEng, CEng): Formal recognition of engineering expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential" skills directly map to core competencies for a senior engineering strategy role, but the "Requirements Capture and Management within ill-defined and rapidly changing environments" and "Managing people through rapid change" are particularly relevant to operations roles that deal with evolving market needs and internal process shifts. The mention of "Business case development and presentation" is a key operations skill for justifying initiatives and securing resources.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of defining and managing complex product strategy roadmaps, demonstrating clarity of vision and execution planning.
• Case studies showcasing successful integration engineering for large-scale systems, highlighting problem-solving methodologies and outcomes.
• Examples of requirements management processes implemented in fast-paced or ambiguous environments, illustrating adaptability and rigor.
• Documentation demonstrating experience in developing and presenting compelling business cases for strategic initiatives, including ROI justification.
• Portfolio pieces that illustrate leadership of engineering teams through change, including team development strategies and performance improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows demonstrating the process for gathering and synthesizing stakeholder input to inform product strategy and roadmapping.
• Methodologies for capturing and managing requirements in environments with evolving specifications and priorities.
• Frameworks for technical artefact development and engineering management, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Processes for identifying, evaluating, and documenting future capability enhancements for complex systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the raw data, for a "Lead" role with responsibilities in strategy development, roadmap management, and team leadership within a technical domain, a portfolio demonstrating these capabilities is implicitly expected. This section infers typical expectations for such a role, focusing on strategic planning, process definition, and leadership evidence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £56,766+ per annum (dependent on experience)

Benefits:

• Competitive pension scheme.
• Employee share plans.
• An extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits.
• Green car scheme.
• Private health plans.
• Shopping discounts.
• Potential eligibility for an annual incentive.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week (standard full-time commitment).

📝 Enhancement Note: The base salary of £56,766+ is provided. For a Lead role with 10+ years of experience in the UK, particularly in specialized engineering and management, this is a competitive starting point. Benefits are comprehensive, aligning with large established engineering firms, and the "hybrid" work arrangement offers flexibility. The mention of "annual incentive" suggests potential for performance-based bonuses, common in leadership roles tied to strategic outcomes.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defence, Security & Advanced Technologies. BAE Systems operates globally, developing and delivering a wide range of products for defence, national security, and commercial applications. The company is a significant player in complex, high-stakes engineering projects. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Global presence with a substantial workforce). Founded: 1999 (through the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems).

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Typhoon Product Strategy Team, which is responsible for defining and managing the long-term development roadmap of the Typhoon aircraft platform.
• This team likely comprises engineers with specializations in various aspects of aircraft systems, strategy, and integration.
• Reporting structure will involve leadership reporting to higher management within the product development or engineering division, and direct management of a team of engineers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving Technical Management Teams, Sector Development Units (SDUs), and potentially commercial, program management, and customer interface teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implicit, with strategy development informed by technical feasibility, market needs, and performance metrics.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for roadmap development and team management.
• Automation and efficiency practices would be applied to reporting, documentation, and potentially simulation or analysis tools, managed by the engineering team under this lead.

Company Website: https://www.baesystems.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: BAE Systems' reputation as a major defence contractor implies a culture that values precision, security, rigorous process, and long-term strategic vision. The "Typhoon Product Strategy Team" context suggests a focus on complex, multi-year development cycles and a need for robust planning and execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, a "Lead" role, indicating significant responsibility for strategic direction, team oversight, and technical leadership within a specialized product area. It sits at a crucial junction between technical execution and strategic business planning.

Reporting Structure: The Product Strategy Engineering Lead will report to a higher-level manager (e.g., Head of Product Strategy, Director of Engineering) and will directly manage a team of engineers. This structure emphasizes leadership and the ability to influence upwards and manage downwards.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the future competitiveness and technological advancement of the Typhoon platform. By shaping the product strategy and roadmap, the lead influences investment decisions, R&D priorities, and ultimately, the long-term market position and revenue potential of a key BAE Systems product.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher leadership roles within BAE Systems' product development, engineering, or strategic planning divisions.
• Opportunities to specialize further in specific areas of aerospace engineering strategy or technology development.
• Potential to take on broader program management responsibilities or lead larger, more complex strategic initiatives.
• Development of skills in executive communication, strategic negotiation, and advanced stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a significant career step, offering leadership development and strategic influence. The "operations" aspect here relates to the strategic management of a product's lifecycle and future, directly impacting commercial viability and sustained revenue streams through technological innovation and market alignment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a "hybrid" working arrangement, indicating a blend of on-site work at the Warton facility and remote work. This suggests a modern workplace that balances collaborative in-office interaction with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Warton, Lancashire, United Kingdom. This facility is a significant site for BAE Systems' military aircraft operations.

Workspace Context:

• The Warton site is likely equipped with advanced engineering facilities, labs, and collaborative workspaces conducive to complex project development.
• Access to relevant engineering software, simulation tools, and data analysis platforms will be standard.
• The hybrid model necessitates effective digital collaboration tools and processes to ensure seamless communication and productivity between on-site and remote team members.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered as part of the hybrid working arrangement, allowing for adaptation around core working hours for personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hybrid" nature is key, implying a need for strong process management to ensure continuity and collaboration across different work locations. This is a common operational challenge that successful candidates will need to navigate.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on essential qualifications and experience in systems engineering, architecture, and leadership.
• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on systems architecting, lifecycle management, requirements engineering, and strategic planning methodologies. May involve scenario-based questions.
• Leadership & Strategy Interview: Assessment of people management skills, experience in leading teams through change, business case development, and strategic vision.
• Stakeholder Management Simulation/Discussion: Evaluation of ability to engage with and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the Lead role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate experience in each of the "Essential" requirements. Use a case study approach for complex projects.
• Quantify Impact: For each project or responsibility, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes or impact (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved performance metrics, successful roadmap delivery).
• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you've managed teams, mentored individuals, and driven change within engineering functions.
• Strategic Alignment: Show how your technical contributions have supported broader product strategy and business objectives. Highlight instances of business case development and presentation.
• Adaptability: Showcase examples of managing requirements and projects in environments that were ill-defined or rapidly changing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions that assess your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership style.
• Practice articulating complex technical concepts and strategic plans clearly and concisely.
• Prepare specific examples from your experience that align with the core responsibilities and requirements of the role.
• Research BAE Systems, its current projects (especially Typhoon), and its strategic direction in the aerospace and defence sector. Understand the implications of geopolitical factors and technological advancements on defence product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "business case development and presentation," "requirements capture and management within ill-defined and rapidly changing environments," and "people management" suggests that interviewers will probe for evidence of operational effectiveness, strategic justification, and leadership agility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Systems Engineering Tools: Tools like DOORS (for requirements management), Cameo Systems Modeler, or similar MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) platforms are likely used for architecture definition and requirements traceability.
• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, or similar for roadmap planning, task management, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or equivalent for team communication and hybrid work enablement.
• Documentation & Reporting Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), potentially Confluence for knowledge management and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for data analysis and reporting related to system performance, project status, and business case metrics. This could include Excel for analysis, or more specialized tools depending on the specific engineering discipline.
• Dashboarding tools might be used for presenting key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product strategy execution.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how product strategy aligns with market needs and customer engagement (often managed through CRM processes) is beneficial.
• Automation could be relevant in reporting, data analysis, and workflow management for the engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with tools that support requirements management, systems modeling, project planning, and collaborative documentation is essential for this role and its team. The ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making is also implicitly required.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Merit: BAE Systems values integrity and rewards merit, suggesting a culture where performance and ethical conduct are paramount.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: The company actively promotes diversity of thought and welcomes people from all backgrounds, aiming for an inclusive culture.
• Empowerment & Potential: Employees are empowered to fulfil their potential, indicating opportunities for professional development and autonomy.
• Precision & Rigor: Given the industry and product complexity, a high degree of precision, attention to detail, and adherence to rigorous processes are likely core operational values.
• Innovation & Future Focus: The role itself is about future strategy, implying a culture that encourages forward-thinking and the exploration of new technological capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on collaboration between engineering, technical management, and business units (SDUs) to align strategy with practical implementation.
• Stakeholder-Centric: A collaborative approach that prioritizes understanding and integrating diverse stakeholder needs and perspectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing technical insights, strategic thinking, and lessons learned to foster collective growth and improve processes.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is given and received constructively to drive continuous improvement in both technical output and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (integrity, merit, inclusivity, empowerment) combined with the nature of the role (strategy, leadership, complex technology) suggest a professional and results-oriented environment that also values individual contribution and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Leading strategy development in an environment with ill-defined requirements and rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing diverse and potentially conflicting requirements from various internal and external stakeholders.
• Driving Change: Managing and leading an engineering team through significant strategic shifts and technological advancements.
• Resource Allocation: Justifying and securing resources for strategic initiatives through compelling business cases.
• Security & Export Controls: Ensuring all strategic planning and development adhere to strict security and export control regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Deepening expertise in product strategy formulation, market analysis, and long-term technology planning within the defence sector.
• Technical Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of advanced aircraft systems and emerging defence technologies.
• People Management: Enhancing leadership skills through managing a specialized engineering team, focusing on talent development and performance optimization.
• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events, gain insights into global trends, and network with peers and experts.
• Professional Development: Pursuing further certifications or advanced training in systems engineering, project management, or leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are intrinsic to strategic leadership in a complex, high-stakes industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within BAE Systems' extensive operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to develop a product strategy in a highly dynamic or uncertain environment. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, adaptability, and results.)
• "How do you balance the technical feasibility of new capabilities with the strategic priorities and business case for their development?" (Assess strategic-technical alignment and financial acumen.)
• "Walk me through your approach to managing and developing an engineering team through significant change or on a critical project." (Evaluate leadership, change management, and team-building skills.)
• "How do you ensure your product strategy remains aligned with evolving market demands and technological advancements in the aerospace/defence sector?" (Gauge market awareness and strategic foresight.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you see as the biggest strategic challenges for the Typhoon platform in the next 5-10 years, and how would you address them?" (Demonstrate industry knowledge and strategic thinking.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your team and with external stakeholders, particularly in a hybrid work setting?" (Assess collaboration style and hybrid work management.)
• "Describe your experience in developing and presenting business cases to senior leadership. What makes a business case compelling?" (Highlight financial justification and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an executive summary of your most impactful projects. For each case study, follow a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework, emphasizing your role and the strategic impact.
• Quantify Everything: Use data to illustrate achievements – e.g., "Reduced integration time by X%", "Secured funding for Y initiative based on a business case projecting Z ROI," "Improved team performance metrics by W%."
• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly call out instances where you led teams, mentored individuals, or drove process improvements.
• Tailor to BAE Systems: Connect your experience to BAE Systems' mission, products (Typhoon), and stated values. Show you understand their context.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, is concise, and effectively communicates your value proposition within the allotted time. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust process management, leadership capabilities, and the ability to articulate complex technical and business justifications clearly. The portfolio is key to substantiating these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Engineering Lead position:

• Submit your application through the BAE Systems careers portal via the provided link.
• Curate Your CV: Tailor your resume to prominently feature keywords and experiences related to "Product Strategy," "Systems Engineering," "Architecture," "Roadmap Management," "Stakeholder Engagement," "Team Leadership," and "Business Case Development." Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather evidence of your experience in strategic planning, systems architecting, requirements management (especially in complex environments), team leadership, and business case development. Focus on projects that demonstrate impact and strategic thinking.
• Research BAE Systems: Understand the company's mission, its role in the defence sector, and specific details about the Typhoon program. Familiarize yourself with their values and culture.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare specific, compelling examples using the STAR method for common leadership, strategy, and technical questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.