Executive Compensation Principal

Job Description 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.

• 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.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• 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.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• 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.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $116419 - $197912

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.

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.